RPS launches new online resource for consultant pharmacists

A new consultant pharmacists’ hub has been launched on the Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS) website.

The online guide brings together resources useful to current and aspiring chief pharmacists, and those tasked with creating consultant pharmacist roles. It outlines the specialist areas within which consultant pharmacists work, how the role aligns with current NHS strategy, and provides details of how the RPS supports those working as, or seeking to become, consultant pharmacists.

The title ‘consultant pharmacist’ was introduced by NHS England in 2005 and NHS Wales in 2013. The Scottish government has committed, as part of its pharmaceutical transformation strategy Achieving Excellence in Pharmaceutical Care, to the introduction of a Postgraduate Career Framework for pharmacy that will include a consultant pharmacist role. Those appointed to these posts are expected to display the highest level of expertise in a specialist area, as well as showcasing professional leadership, taking an active part in mentoring and education, and developing research capacity in the workforce.