News

Risk assessment survey with UKBPA

We've partnered with the Black Pharmacists Association (UKBPA) to launch a survey today to find out if organisations have started to implement risk assessments and make adaptations to working environments so pharmacists and pre-registration students can work safely during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Following publication of guidance from NHS organisations across England, Scotland and Wales, the NHS and other employers should be providing risk assessments for staff potentially exposed to Covid-19. Data demonstrates the virus has disproportionately affected Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) staff, teams and the wider community, highlighting systemic health inequalities.

Robbie Turner, RPS Director of Pharmacy and Member Experience said:

“We’re deeply concerned about the risks our workforce are facing especially BAME colleagues and want to ensure that they are fully protected on the frontline. Implementing effective risk assessments and making any necessary adaptations to the working environment is an important way of reducing risk and must be done as a matter of urgency.

“Working with the UKBPA, we’ve developed a short survey find out how many pharmacists have actually had risk assessments after the instruction to do so was issued by the NHS.

Our survey will give clarity on the situation so far and the work yet to do. I urge you to complete the survey as we’ll take the results to governments and employers for action.”

Elsy Gomez Campos, President of the UKBPA said:

“We urgently need visible leadership from managers on this vital issue. We want to work together to find new ways of working to protect staff without compromising patients’ care, ensuring decisions are fair and unbiased.

“Unnecessary delays to appropriate risk assessments could cost lives. Nobody should be left out, with the same safety considerations for all, including locum and temporary staff.

“I encourage people to complete the survey so we can help you get the support you need.”

Take the survey now.

Check out our blog page for more on BAME health inequalities


Loading...

Email newsletter

Want the latest pharmacy news and updates straight to your inbox?

Sign up to our regular newsletter for the latest guidance, news, events and CPD opportunities.

Sign Up