Insight Online – January 2026

Have you read the latest Insight magazine?

Earlier this month, we distributed hard copies of the latest issue of Insight magazine to members and to pharmacies. We heard from members that some of you like to read the electronic version, so we are sharing this. We also encourage you to share this with colleagues.The winter issue of Insight magazine includes many articles of interest to pharmacists, such as:

• PDA Wellbeing Strategy
• NHS Union recognition
• New PDA benefits
• NHS Counter Fraud Authority
• RPS Member conduct panel
• Cover for pharmacists involved in private online prescribing
• The pharmacist who was “thrown under a bus”
• The Leng Review 
• Self-selection of P medicines
• Medicines to Gaza
• and much more

How safe is your workplace?
PDA invites pharmacists to take part in the 2026 Safer Pharmacies Survey

With the disturbing rise in violence, theft, and physical assault directed at pharmacy teams across the UK, we have launched our ninth Safer Pharmacies Survey, and we are encouraging all employed and locum pharmacists to take part.Physical safety is one of the seven commitments of our Safer Pharmacies Charter. The Charter was launched in 2017, and responses to the associated survey over the subsequent years have helped us to understand and to evidence the need for changes.

We are constantly supporting members who experience challenging conditions in the workplace, which not only impacts patient safety but also pharmacists’ physical and mental health and wellbeing. The survey is conducted to help us address these issues when engaging with governments, regulators, employers and others. This proactive approach is used to improve the lives of those in the profession.

 Support in the event of violence in pharmacy

We have handled more than 80,000 incidents since our inception and we currently handle more than 5,000 episodes when pharmacists run into a crisis each year.A trend which was first seen on a larger scale during the Covid-19 crisis appears to continue where pharmacists are facing the risk of violence from the public. We previously launched a zero tolerance to violence campaign , which is supported by many police forces around the UK. We also produced a violence in pharmacy policy and toolkit, designed to reduce the risk and likelihood of a violent attack.

However, following a shocking attack at the end of 2025, where a patient attempted to strangle a pharmacist, we have launched a new automatic benefit which supports pharmacists in the aftermath of a violent attack.

The new PDA benefit will replace lost income and will automatically extend to all PDA members whether they are employed or self-employed. Subject to being able to comply with certain operational conditions , such as providing a police crime reference number linked to a violent attack in the pharmacy, the new member benefit would provide up to ten days’ benefit of up to £350 per day to the pharmacist to cover lost income.

Support in the event of needlestick injury

While millions of flu and COVID-19 vaccinations are now delivered safely by pharmacists each year in all sectors of the profession, the risk and the occurrence of needlestick injuries (NSIs) have grown. 

From 2012 to 2022, there were approximately 2,600 claims for NSIs from healthcare professionals, with nearly £11 million paid out in damages and legal fees (< £5,000 per claim).

Following numerous needlestick injuries affecting PDA members, we have launched a new benefit. Subject to being able to comply with certain operational conditions, members will be provided with financial support enabling them to attend testing and travel costs to the specialist testing centres. Should there be a diagnosis of HIV or hepatitis, or if there is a loss of limb, or death, you or your family will receive an additional cash benefit of up to £15,000. This additional benefit is being added as a standard automatic benefit of PDA membership at no additional cost.