Pharmacy Voice states concern over RPS draft regulations

Pharmacy Voice, the industry body created by the National Pharmacy Association (NPA) and other leading healthcare organisations, has expressed concern over the Royal Pharmaceutical Society's (RPS') planned reforms of the sector.

The organisation has stated that the current RPS consultation on draft regulations and schedules is too focused on implementing "cumbersome and costly" disciplinary mechanisms.

Rob Darracott, chief executive of Pharmacy Voice, said it appreciated the need for the RPS to review its governing legislation following its recent restructuring, but stated that its focus should be on supporting pharmacists and improving care quality.

He suggested that this could be achieved via the introduction of a more basic code of conduct.

"If the RPS decides to go ahead with these proposals as they stand we would expect the disciplinary processes to be used very sparingly, especially given that membership of the RPS is entirely voluntary," Mr Darracott added.

Pharmacy Voice was launched by the NPA, the Company Chemists' Association and the Association of Independent Multiple Pharmacies in November 2010.

NPA chairman Ian Facer also acts as chairman for the newly-created body.