10 November 2022
(Last updated: 11 Mar 2026 11:00)
APTUK is pleased to support the refresh of the Professional Standards for Hospital Pharmacy Services which have a renewed focus on the pharmacy team as a whole
APTUK is pleased to support the refresh of the Professional Standards for Hospital Pharmacy Services which have a renewed focus on the pharmacy team as a whole to deliver person-centred, inclusive, safe and efficient hospital pharmacy services. We encourage pharmacy technicians to support the application of the standards in their practice, actively strive for continuous improvement in service delivery and help others within the pharmacy team to do so too.
The Standards describe ‘what good looks like’ for pharmacy services. They apply to providers of NHS and Independent pharmacy services in hospitals, mental health, community service, prison, hospice and ambulance settings. With a drive towards more integrated care and changes to the pharmacy workforce, there was a clear need to make sure the Standards reflected this. New descriptors on research, audit and quality improvement as well as inclusion and wellbeing have been added, reflecting work that RPS has undertaken in these areas.
The standards are UK wide and have been endorsed by APTUK, UKCPA, NPPG, Independent Chief Pharmacists Group and Pharmacy Forum Northern Ireland. A number of other bodies are keen to endorse the Standards and going through internal governance procedures.
In addition to the Standards an updated assessment tool has been developed to support organisations either self-assess or peer-assess against the Standards.Furthermore, the RPS plan to refresh the accompanying Handbook by the end of the year. They are also planning to host a webinar to engage with members, organisations and stakeholders about these standards over the coming months.
For more information, please see the RPS website