Pharmacists call for legal change
Wednesday 17th June 2009
An all-party pharmacy group has met in the House of Commons to examine the impact of a recent legal ruling concerning a pharmacist.
In April, locum pharmacist Elizabeth Lee was handed a three-month suspended prison sentence after handing beta-blockers instead of steroids to a patient who later died in hospital, the BBC reports.
According to the news provider, pharmacists are concerned that the case will set a precedent for prosecutions resulting from one-off minor errors.
An all-party pharmacy group chaired by Howard Stoate MP has tabled an Early Day Motion for a change to the law.
Commenting on the case of Ms Lee, David Pruce, director of policy at the Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain (RPSGB), said: "It is an understandable reaction because pharmacists would be incriminating themselves.
"But we're concerned about the effect on patient safety."
A professional and regulatory body for pharmacists in England, Scotland and Wales, the RPSGB aims to lead, regulate, develop and represent the profession of pharmacy.
Written by Martin Lambert
Related articles
Winter viruses can be combated by vitamin D
Vitamin D has been highlighted as the latest weapon in order to combat winter viruses, new research has found. The supplement is...
Monday 30th April 2012
Researchers warn against widespread use of anti...
They are one of the most commonly prescribed drugs but researchers believe that anti-depressants could actually cause more harm...
Tuesday 24th April 2012
Daily aspirin doses could cut cancer cases by a...
Daily doses of aspirin could be a new way to avoid cancer, according to a new report published in The Lancet. In a series of tests...
Wednesday 21st March 2012
Related Pharmacy Jobs
Hospital based Locum Pharmacy Technician for immediate start We currently recruiting a GPhC registered Pharmacy Technician...
Full infoHospital Locum Pharmacist required for an immediate start within a busy Oncology ward. We are recruiting a Band 6 or 7 Pharmacist...
Full infoMediplacements are currently recruiting for experienced Pharmacist for both locum and permanent vacancies across the South...
Full info