Position statement - pharmacy assistants and accuracy checking roles

Enabling pharmacy assistants to undertake accuracy checking roles

The Association of Pharmacy Technicians UK (APTUK), as the professional leadership body for pharmacy technicians, supports the development and progression of the wider pharmacy workforce, including pharmacy assistants. We recognise that enabling pharmacy assistants to undertake an accuracy checking role, with appropriate training and support, can contribute significantly to the safe and effective delivery of pharmacy services.

APTUK supports this role expansion as a means to strengthen capacity within pharmacy teams and optimise the skills of all members of the workforce. This development must, however, be underpinned by robust governance, defined responsibilities, and a commitment to patient safety.

To ensure safe and effective practice, APTUK recommends that pharmacy assistants undertaking an accuracy checking role must have:

• Completion of a relevant Level 2 pharmacy dispensing qualification
• Appropriate accuracy checking training delivered by a recognised and suitable training provider
• A clearly defined scope of practice included within their job description and person specification, detailing responsibilities and limits of the role.
• Supportive supervision and ongoing professional development to ensure continued competency and confidence.
• Confirmation that the employing organisation holds adequate indemnity insurance to cover all pharmacy professionals, including pharmacy assistants acting in this extended role

APTUK believes that the safe delegation of technical tasks, such as accuracy checking, is vital to modern pharmacy practice. By enabling pharmacy assistants to contribute more fully, underpinned by proper training, structure, and support, pharmacy services can become more efficient and resilient, ultimately benefiting patients and the public.

Philip Jones MAPharmT
Education Director, on behalf of the APTUK executive committee