Responsible Pharmacist Policy

1. Purpose

This policy sets out how SynovaMed meets its obligations under the Pharmacy Order 2010 and the Medicines Act 1968 regarding the Responsible Pharmacist (RP) requirement.

2. Responsible Pharmacist Role

A Responsible Pharmacist must be appointed for our registered pharmacy at all times when we are operating. The RP is responsible for securing the safe and effective running of the pharmacy.

3. RP Duties

• Ensuring safe and effective running of the pharmacy during their period of responsibility.
• Displaying the RP notice (showing their name, GPhC registration number, and the fact they are the RP).
• Completing the pharmacy record (paper or electronic) each day.
• Establishing, maintaining, and reviewing pharmacy procedures and SOPs.
• Identifying themselves as the RP to colleagues and the public.
• Supervising the sale and supply of pharmacy-only medicines.
• Clinical check of every prescription before it is dispensed.

4. RP Register

A record is kept of:

• The name and GPhC registration number of the RP on duty each day.
• The date and time they started as RP.
• The date and time they ceased being RP.
• Any absence during the period of duty (up to 2 hours absence is permitted under the Pharmacy Order).

5. Absence from the Pharmacy

An RP may be absent from the registered premises for a maximum of 2 hours during their period of duty (Pharmacy Order 2010). During this time:

• The RP remains contactable and able to return if needed.
• The pharmacy remains able to operate safely for the functions permitted during RP absence.
• No new dispensing takes place without RP clinical check.

6. Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)

The RP ensures that SOPs are:

• In place for every pharmacy function.
• Reviewed at least every 2 years.
• Updated when regulations or guidance change.
• Signed and dated by the RP.
• Available to all staff.

A current SOP list is maintained by the Superintendent Pharmacist.

7. Staff Competence

The RP is responsible for ensuring that staff are competent to perform the tasks assigned. This includes:

• Verifying that all pharmacy team members have appropriate training.
• Maintaining a skills matrix.
• Supervising trainees and technicians appropriately.
• Escalating concerns about competence to the Superintendent Pharmacist.

8. Relationship with Superintendent Pharmacist

The RP reports to the Superintendent Pharmacist (Chirag Desai, GPhC: 2079415). The Superintendent has overarching responsibility for clinical governance, SOPs, audit, and regulatory compliance. The RP has day-to-day responsibility for the safe and effective running of the pharmacy on the days they are on duty.

9. RP and Remote Services

SynovaMed delivers prescribing remotely by contracted Pharmacist Independent Prescribers (PIPs). The RP:

• Does not perform the prescribing (this is done by the PIP).
• Does perform the clinical check and accuracy check before supply.
• Liaises with the prescribing PIP for any concerns raised at the clinical or accuracy check stage.
• Maintains oversight of dispensing and supply from the registered premises.

10. Record Keeping

The RP record is retained for a minimum of 5 years in line with regulatory requirements. Audit trail is electronic and timestamped.

11. Policy Review

Reviewed every 2 years by the Superintendent Pharmacist. Next review: April 2028.

SynovaMed (trading name of Nihaal Limited) | 11 Blaby Road, South Wigston, Wigston, LE18 4PA | GPhC: 9012552 | 07822 002914 | info@synovamed.co.uk Document Ref: POL-010 | Version 2.0 Effective: 19 April 2026 | Next Review: April 2028 Superintendent Pharmacist: Chirag Desai (GPhC: 2079415)