Charity & RPS host workforce wellbeing roundtable

During Mental Health Awareness Week, the charity and the RPS hosted key stakeholders at a roundtable on the impact of pharmacy workforce wellbeing on patient safety.

Held on the 17th May at RPS HQ in London, the roundtable followed the results of our joint annual Workforce Wellbeing Survey which highlighted continued pressures on pharmacy teams.

The discussion, led by Pharmacist Support Vice Chair Anita Cawley, explored the actions needed to support staff so they can continue providing safe and effective patient care and included representatives from the NHS, professional bodies, employers, trade unions, education and regulators.

Working together to tackle the issues impacting mental health and wellbeing 

“As the profession’s independent charity focused on wellbeing, it was encouraging to see key organisations join us around the table to talk openly about how we can work together to tackle some of the issues impacting mental health and wellbeing within the profession” commented Chief Executive of Pharmacist Support Danielle Hunt.

“It was evident from the discussion that the mounting pressure on pharmacists needs to be urgently addressed and that all organisations around the table have a part to play in this. As co-hosts of the roundtable, the charity was able to highlight key statistics from the joint Workforce Wellbeing Survey and the eyewatering increase in demand for the charity’s services.

“We recognised that some of the issues highlighted were not unique to the profession, however, as pharmacy organisations we felt we needed to come together to get behind those who work in pharmacy. We hope yesterday’s event kick-started a concerted effort to work together to create real change.”

Protecting the future of pharmacy & its people

Representing the RPS at the roundtable was Head of Professional Belonging Amandeep Doll, who said:

“We know that pharmacy teams go above and beyond for their patients, but are also under enormous pressure. Now more than ever, we need to strive to make the pharmacy profession more inclusive and ensure that everyone’s wellbeing is supported.

“It is vital that we do all we can to encourage people into pharmacy and to support them so they can enhance their skills, develop their careers, and continue to deliver high-quality patient care.”

This discussion was a welcome step and showed that making a difference for staff wellbeing requires a concerted effort from stakeholders across the whole of pharmacy.
RPS Head of Professional Belonging, Amandeep Doll

Following the discussions, attendees issued a joint statement, recognising the shared endeavour to support pharmacy teams across all sectors of practice to deliver patient care. A report of the roundtable will be published in the summer and the group have committed to meeting again in six months.

Read the full 2022 Workforce Wellbeing Survey Report