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Business Consultant Pharmacist
Primary Care Pharmacist Consultant
Qualified Persons In The Pharmaceutical Industry
In the last decade, the role of the hospital pharmacist has developed rapidly and is increasingly more technical and demanding. Moreover, pharmacists are also expected to take responsibility for the work of others. Sadly though, as the responsibilities become more diverse, the society in which we live is becoming ever more litigation conscious. Should the unthinkable happen and a patient is seriously harmed through an error, the result can be very alarming. Human considerations apart, the resultant investigation may involve attempts to apportion blame and with reputations at stake the subsequent legal and even possible compensation costs may prove extremely costly.
Historically, cover for an individual pharmacist has been provided by the employer. Increasingly however pharmacists are coming to realise that should there be a claim from a patient or other, any ensuing action taken by their employer may well serve their employer's interests, but may leave them individually exposed. There are many other potential sources of concern, e.g. an argument over terms of service, an NHS Tribunal, a conflict with a patient or even with the RPSGB. Should there be a need for legal representation at any inquiry or tribunal or should compensation be required, the resultant costs could be well beyond the means of a pharmacist.
Click here for PIA Hospital Pharmacist insurance
which is now available through The PDA.
Such insurance represents the only realistic way in which these costs could be met - such a policy can now be taken out in your own right. The Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain is now bringing this need to the attention of pharmacists. Indeed, The RPSGB Code of Ethics now requires all pharmacists to work with PI insurance protection. This Pharmacy Insurance Agency (PIA) policy has been designed specifically for the protection of the individual pharmacist, it meets fully with the requirements of hospital pharmacists. This PIA scheme has been designed in such a way as to hospital pharmacists that much required PEACE OF MIND in all the areas mentioned and provides many additional facilities. It is flexible in that it provides a choice of coverage and a choice of limits of cover. It provides an optional extension which allows hospital pharmacists to work as occasional community pharmacist locums.