Pharmacists across all sectors of practice are increasingly playing a more varied role in improving the health and wellbeing of the British public.

The hectic lifestyles of the general public mean that pharmacists are taking on an increasingly wider role, including giving advice to those with no time to visit their GP, helping patients manage their medicine more effectively and handling an increasing number of prescriptions.

The role of the pharmacist has evolved over recent years. An increase in demand for their services coupled with the added pressure of the economic downturn and the uncertainty of job security has impacted dramatically on the nation’s pharmacists and their well-being. In recognition of this, Pharmacist Support – the country’s leading independent welfare charity for pharmacists - has seen a significant rise in the number of new applications for financial assistance. The value of grants awarded in 2008 increased by over 50%.

Increasing pressures facing pharmacists have caused a steep rise in stress levels among even the hardiest of pharmacy professionals, and recent industry findings have revealed that the UK’s pharmacists are experiencing high levels of stress. 85 per cent of employees already claim to have experienced stress in the past twelve months* and four per cent of the workforce even admitted to having suicidal thoughts**.

David Qualter, manager of Pharmacist Support, comments: “Pharmacists are a valuable asset to the British public who are increasingly relying on them as their first port of call. We provide the necessary help and support to aid those in the profession through any difficult times they may face to enable them to continue with the invaluable work they do in the community.”

A recent Symposium held by the Pharmacy Practice Research Trust (the Trust) and the Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain reported on research and evidence from leading academics and pharmacy organisations and illustrated the many factors which are contributing to workload pressure.

Sue Ambler, Director of the Trust said: “It emerged from the research presented at the symposim that there is obviously an increase in pharmacists’ workload across the profession and acknowledging that there is an emerging problem is an important first step. Restructuring workflows, re-designing teams, managing change and implementation of new services as well as raising the profile of identifying, dealing with and avoiding stress amongst pharmacists and their employers are all important. The fact that representatives from all key stakeholder groups came together for a day and half and invested time and effort to think about the findings from research and began to plan a programme of joint work to address this growing problem is a huge step forward." 

Formerly known as the Benevolent Fund of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, the registered charity recently re-launched as Pharmacist Support with the aim of developing its range of services to meet the needs of the modern, 21st century pharmacist. The re-brand reflects the increasing level of pastoral care the organisation is called upon to provide, and has led to the extension of the charity’s support services to include advice on benefits, debt and employment.

The services of Pharmacist Support could prove invaluable to Great Britain as a whole in supporting a profession that plays a vital role in everyday life. The Charity can help towards ensuring that pharmacists are properly supported and that the pharmacy profession remains a stable and cherished aspect of the British health sector.

*www.chemistanddruggist.co.uk

** www.chemistanddruggist.co.uk

ENDS

Notes to Editors

• To view the full report of the PPRT / Society meeting too alleviate workplace pressure:

http://www.pprt.org.uk/Documents/Workplace_Pressure_%20Meeting_SummaryII.pdf

• For further information please visit http://www.pharmacistsupport.org

• Pharmacist Support is the country’s leading independent welfare charity for pharmacists and is funded by donations from pharmacists.

• Pharmacist Support was previously known as The Benevolent Fund of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, and was re-launched in 2008 to reflect the modern day needs of today’s pharmacists.

• Pharmacist Support’s services are available to all pharmacists and their dependents, pharmacy students and those retired from the profession.

• The charity provides confidential advice and support with issues relating to stress, welfare and finance.

• All services are FREE of charge and include; Listening Friends, Signposting, Home Visiting, Grants and Financial Assistance, Specialist Advice Services and the Pharmacist Health Support Programme

• Many of the services offered are delivered directly by experienced volunteer pharmacists located throughout Great Britain. Due to a shared professional background, these volunteers are uniquely positioned to understand the specific pressures pharmacists and their families face.

• Calls to the charity’s Listening Friends service – a free listening service for pharmacists suffering from stress – increased from 193 in 2007 to 309 in 2008. This is reflective of the increasing pressures facing pharmacists today.