Last month, representatives from the Pharmacists’ Defence Association (PDA) across the UK came together for a comprehensive two-day, face-to-face Health, Safety, and Welfare training program. The PDA places a strong emphasis on embedding health, safety, and welfare principles into the roles of every PDA Representative.
The recent training program for PDA Representatives went beyond building the necessary skills and knowledge required for effective representation. It also focused on highlighting the connections between these skills and the standards set by the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC). During the training, both employed and locum representatives delved into the identification and management of common hazards in pharmacy settings, understanding an employer’s obligations, and the techniques for addressing these issues with employers.
The attendees included both new representatives and experienced ones, fostering a collaborative learning environment through group work and class discussions. The feedback received was overwhelmingly positive, with new representatives expressing increased confidence and a desire to become more engaged with the PDA through member and representative networks.
For PDA Student Representatives, the course provided valuable insights into the vital role that health, safety, and welfare play in a pharmacy setting, particularly concerning the well-being of staff and patient safety. They also gained knowledge about how to raise concerns when they observe issues that could impact safety, aligning with GPhC Standard 8.
Alveena Hareem, a PDA Representative, shared her positive experience: “Still smiling after two days of working together with a wonderful group of people and knowledgeable tutors! I learned so much and enjoyed myself at the same time! Thank you.”
Anne Davies, a Community Pharmacist and PDA Representative in Wales and West England, expressed the empowering effect of the training: “I learned so much regarding health, safety, and welfare in the workplace that [I] now feel empowered to take this learning back to my workplace and help to improve the working environment for members.”
Becci Patman, another PDA Representative, praised the course as “Excellent,” describing it as informative and made accessible and practical by enthusiastic tutors.
