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Qualified Persons In The Pharmaceutical Industry
Traditionally, Pre-registration trainees have always recognised the need to exercise a great deal of care in all of their work activities. However, it was widely felt that if a mistake was made, the pharmacist checking their work would take professional responsibility. The 'Peppermint water case', however, has shown that the courts, and hence Society generally will now hold the individual who perpetrated the error personally responsible. In this case both the pharmacist and the Pre-reg faced criminal proceedings when an error led to the death of a baby. This case has shown that a Pre-reg can no longer rely on the fact that a pharmacist checked their work as an excuse for an error. This development although shocking, has merely brought the situation in Britain in line with other countries where Pre-reg's have faced personal liability for some years.
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 compensation costs may prove extremely expensive.
Historically Pre-reg's and pharmacists generally have been told that the employer will insure them in the event that something goes wrong. Increasingly however, employees are coming to realise that, should there be a claim from a patient, any ensuring action taken by their employers insurance company may well serve their employer's interests, but it could leave them individually exposed.
Sadly, there are many additional sources of conflict e.g. an argument with a patient over a patient confidentiality matter, a problem with the CD regulations, a conflict with an RPSGB inspector or even a grievance with an employer which leads to an Industrial Tribunal.
Furthermore, should there be a need for legal advice or representation at a coroner's inquest, RPSGB Statutory Committee or even a compensation payment to a patient, the resultant costs could be well beyond the means of a Pre-reg trainee.
Click here for PIA Pre-Registration Pharmacist insurance which is now available through The PDA.
These two types of insurances represent the only realistic way in which these costs can be met. The Pharmacy Insurance Agency (PIA) scheme has been designed specifically for the protection of the individual Pre-reg and incorporates both of these insurances. Whether working in community, hospital, another branch of the profession, a combination or even if on a sandwich course, the PIA scheme has been designed in such a way as to give a much required PEACE OF MIND in all the areas mentioned and it provides many additional facilities.