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The PDA

@the-pda.bsky.social
231 followers 25 following 128 posts

The Pharmacists'​ Defence Association (PDA) is the largest pharmacist membership organisation and the only independent trade union exclusively for pharmacists in the UK & CDs.

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The PDA @the-pda.bsky.social · 27/09/2026
🎉 The #PDAunion has achieved full membership of the NHS Staff Side Council. This is a significant step forward in ensuring #pharmacists have a stronger voice in national NHS workforce negotiations. We remain committed to representing and advancing the interests of our members: buff.ly/adQmNoA
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The PDA @the-pda.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
#WorldPharmacistsDay is the perfect time to invest in your future. 🌍💊 Today, we are proud to launch our new PDA Member Hub, giving members access to practical guidance, professional resources and learning tools. The hub helps #pharmacists navigate professional practice. Learn more: buff.ly/Lmem1RL
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The PDA @the-pda.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
PDA Plus, the exclusive member benefits platform for PDA members, is evolving, but the value remains stronger than ever. As a PDA member, you can continue to access a wide range of exclusive offers. We've issued an update on how to access PDA Plus. 🔗 Find out more: buff.ly/CLXPpOU #PDAplus
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The PDA @the-pda.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
We recently attended the FIP World Congress, joining #pharmacy professionals from across the globe to ensure the voices of UK pharmacists are heard. Find out more about the PDA delegation's involvement and key takeaways from the event🔗: buff.ly/5YdE9a4
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The PDA @the-pda.bsky.social · 09/09/2026
Are you a member of the NHS Pension Scheme? We are highlighting key updates and what they could mean for #pharmacists. If you're an NHS Pension Scheme member, it's important to understand how these developments may impact you and the steps you may need to take. Read the full update: buff.ly/gjKU1l9
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The PDA @the-pda.bsky.social · 04/09/2026
📢 We have raised concerns about access to independent prescribing training for #pharmacists in Scotland. As independent prescribing becomes an increasingly important part of #pharmacy practice, all pharmacists should have fair and equal opportunities to access the training they need: buff.ly/iUOQFxP
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Health Equals @handle.invalid · 19/08/2026
Your postcode shouldn't determine your shelf life. But in the UK, it does. Depending on where you live, your life could be cut short by up to 18 years. That's not because of bad luck or individual choices alone. 🧵
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The PDA @the-pda.bsky.social · 02/09/2026
We have welcomed new legal protections for victims of workplace sexual harassment, including strengthened employer responsibilities, enhanced whistleblowing protections, and greater rights for those who speak up. These changes are an important step towards safer workplaces: buff.ly/355htut
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The PDA @the-pda.bsky.social · 24/08/2026
We have published professional guidance on the safe and effective use of AI in pharmacy practice ✍ The new PDA guidance series supports pharmacists to understand the opportunities, limitations and professional responsibilities associated with artificial intelligence. Learn more: bit.ly/4c30FMa
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The PDA @the-pda.bsky.social · 22/08/2026
📢 Help shape the future of learning and development for #pharmacists! We are inviting members to share their views through our 2026 Learning Needs Survey. Your feedback will help guide PDA Education's future training, events, and professional development opportunities: buff.ly/gQ3jZY6
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The PDA @the-pda.bsky.social · 20/08/2026
Join us at the Pharmacy Show 2026! The UK's leading event for community and primary care pharmacists returns this year to NEC Birmingham from 11 to 12 October 2026. We will deliver two sessions on Sunday 11 October. Learn more and secure your place at the show: bit.ly/4gJ6ZtN
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The PDA @the-pda.bsky.social · 02/08/2026
Two young PDA members recently represented the #PDAunion at the 86th STUC Youth Conference, bringing the perspective of #pharmacists and #pharmacy students to discussions on workplace wellbeing, equality, fair pay, public services and the future of work. 🔗: buff.ly/iPBE5hi
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The PDA @the-pda.bsky.social · 31/07/2026
We have raised concerns over proposed changes to overseas #pharmacist training pathways, warning they could have unintended consequences for patient safety. We are calling for careful consideration of the proposals to ensure professional standards remain robust: buff.ly/xbgm6x0
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The PDA @the-pda.bsky.social · 26/07/2026
We would like to remind all candidates who sat the June 2026 assessment, and feel that they have grounds to appeal on receipt of their results, to review the GPhC guidance and gather all evidence before taking action. Learn more: www.the-pda.org/appeals-proc...
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The PDA @the-pda.bsky.social · 15/07/2026
The PDA has joined other health unions in calling for meaningful NHS pay reform, with union leaders urging the government to invest in a fairer pay structure for NHS staff. Together, 78,000 NHS workers have sent a clear message: 3.3% is not enough. Read more: buff.ly/gjo6WpG
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The PDA @the-pda.bsky.social · 08/07/2026
📢 Pharmacists across the UK are facing increasing pressures, from staffing shortages and growing workloads to medicines shortages, NHS restructuring and concerns around locum rates. Read more: www.the-pda.org/regional-com...
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The PDA @the-pda.bsky.social · 03/07/2026
📈 23 years of growth and counting! We are celebrating our 23rd consecutive year of membership growth, with independently audited figures showing more #pharmacists are choosing an organisation dedicated exclusively to representing and supporting the profession. Read more: buff.ly/SiHIlP6
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The PDA @the-pda.bsky.social · 01/07/2026
Over 120 PDA members recently came together at a national meeting to share experiences and raise concerns about the impact of NHS reorganisation. We will continue to advocate for fair treatment, safe working conditions, and clear support for members navigating change. 👉 Read more: buff.ly/yNkfxAC
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NIC-ICTU @nic-ictu.bsky.social · 26/06/2026
No Irish Sea Border for Workers’ Rights!
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The PDA @the-pda.bsky.social · 26/06/2026
✨ Championing inclusive pharmacy ✨ Pharmacists, students, and trainees recently came together for the PDA’s EDI Conference 2026, sharing experiences, tackling inequalities and pushing for real change. Key message? Representation isn’t enough. 💙 👉 buff.ly/WzZ14vT
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The PDA @the-pda.bsky.social · 25/06/2026
📣 Northern Ireland #pharmacists: have your say We are encouraging all pharmacists in Northern Ireland to speak up and help shape the future of #pharmacy funding. A consultation is now open on pharmacy premises fees – and your experience on the ground matters. Learn more: buff.ly/aVbqZWj
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The PDA @the-pda.bsky.social · 11/06/2026
Pharmacists, their patients, and their colleagues must be able to go about their lives in peace. The PDA Union is a proud member of the ICTU.
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The PDA @the-pda.bsky.social · 09/06/2026
At this year’s World Health Assembly in Geneva, we joined international partners to advocate for the vital role of pharmacists in healthcare systems worldwide. With global leaders shaping the future of health policy, it’s more important than ever that the voice of pharmacy is heard: buff.ly/sXXN0zg
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The PDA @the-pda.bsky.social · 04/06/2026
We have issued an important reminder to #pharmacists about the proper access of patient records. This reminder highlights the serious professional and regulatory consequences of getting it wrong. ✅ Always ask yourself: Do I have a valid reason to access this record? Read more 👉 buff.ly/YD7hiXB
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The PDA @the-pda.bsky.social · 03/06/2026
We have reacted to plans to expand #Pharmacy First to include independent prescribing from Autumn 2026. While supporting the ambition to improve patient access and make better use of #pharmacists’ clinical skills, we are clear that this must be delivered safely and sustainably. 🔗 buff.ly/mryKre1
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The PDA @the-pda.bsky.social · 02/06/2026
#Pharmacists play a critical role in keeping patients safe. With reports that millions may be at risk of addiction from OTC medicines, maintaining #pharmacist oversight in the sale of P medicines is more important than ever. 🔗 www.the-pda.org/pharmacist-o...
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The PDA @the-pda.bsky.social · 29/05/2026
MLAs are responding to calls from GP Federation #pharmacists, with some raising concerns directly with the Health Minister. Despite doing the same roles, many pharmacists are still paid less due to differing employment structures, and the push for fair, consistent pay is growing: buff.ly/iAme8HE
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The PDA @the-pda.bsky.social · 25/05/2026
Are you fit to sit the June 2026 assessment? If you’re planning to take the registration assessment, it’s vital you understand what 'fit to sit' really means. Once you start the exam, you’re declaring you’re well enough to complete it — and your result will stand. 🔗 Read more: buff.ly/zGBzc7n
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The PDA @the-pda.bsky.social · 23/05/2026
Single Patient Record confirmed in NHS Modernisation Bill! A joined-up patient record could improve safety and care — but only if #pharmacists have the access they need to use it effectively. Read more: buff.ly/0FIcuL2 Join the 40,000+ pharmacists who already trust the PDA: www.the-pda.org/join/
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The PDA @the-pda.bsky.social · 16/05/2026
Proud to be part of the Northern Ireland Healthcare Awards 2026 🏆 Congrats to Pharmacy Student Leadership winner Fatema Mohammad (Ulster University) 👏 Inspiring to see the impact of future pharmacists 💚 🔗 buff.ly/2ATkVnn 40,000+ pharmacists trust the PDA — join them: buff.ly/7fO4fFo
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The PDA @the-pda.bsky.social · 11/05/2026
This week is Mental Health Awareness Week and we are reminding #pharmacy students, trainees and #pharmacists that there is still time to boost support for Pharmacist Support, as we continue to double our donation to £2 for every new or renewing member until Friday 15 May 2026: www.the-pda.org/join/
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The PDA @the-pda.bsky.social · 10/05/2026
April marked the point at which many pharmacists received pay increases across both private and public sectors. We support #pharmacists across the UK to act collectively at their employers, to organise and, where practicable, to secure recognition for collective bargaining: buff.ly/IGAz3Lu
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The PDA @the-pda.bsky.social · 30/04/2026
We are pleased to announce the appointment of Mark DasGupta as Director of Professional Development. Mark brings extensive experience across clinical professional practice, leadership, and education. His appointment reflects our ongoing commitment to supporting #pharmacists: buff.ly/SbB1uXa
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The PDA @the-pda.bsky.social · 29/04/2026
The most recent PDA Regional Committee meetings covered the NHS pay announcement for 2026/27, locum rates, enforcement of targets and more. Learn more: buff.ly/MzDVgcp Not yet a PDA member? Join today. PDA membership is FREE to #PharmacyStudents and #TraineePharmacists! www.the-pda.org/join/
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The PDA @the-pda.bsky.social · 27/04/2026
We recently submitted written evidence to the Health and Social Care Committee in its inquiry of what is needed from the NHS estate to deliver the government’s vision of a ‘Neighbourhood Health Service’. Learn more: buff.ly/9Vl7HW8 Not yet a member of the PDA? Join today! www.the-pda.org/join/
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The PDA @the-pda.bsky.social · 26/04/2026
We have warned that proposed new supervision standards for Responsible #Pharmacists and Superintendent Pharmacists from the GPhC could undermine patient safety by blurring statutory roles, and enabling unsafe models of practice unless they are significantly revised: buff.ly/gnM0Q9N
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The PDA @the-pda.bsky.social · 25/04/2026
We are pleased to announce that we have negotiated protected learning time for members working at Crucible Pharmacy Ltd, a non-consolidated NHS subsidiary, in Sheffield. As part of the pay negotiations, the PDA negotiated an above-inflation pay increase for 2026/2027 of 4%: buff.ly/wbmfLtS
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The PDA @the-pda.bsky.social · 11/04/2026
The Employment Rights Act (ERA) is a significant improvement to rights at work, undoubtedly the most beneficial changes in favour of workers for a generation, and it is helping #pharmacists to be treated better at work. Learn more: buff.ly/VAOUxxu
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The PDA @the-pda.bsky.social · 10/04/2026
Recently, the #PDAnawp Network proudly hosted an International Women’s Day online event, centred around the theme 'Give to Gain', highlighting the power of mentorship, allyship, and collective support in advancing equality across the pharmacy profession. Learn more: buff.ly/hHdJlSa
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The PDA @the-pda.bsky.social · 04/04/2026
The latest five-year cycle of our regional committees has now begun (April 2026), as members have elected the new teams to serve until 2031. We would like to thank those members who have served on our regional committees over the last five years. Learn more: buff.ly/aycvMkb
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The PDA @the-pda.bsky.social · 01/04/2026
We are disappointed with GPhC's decision to increase fees by 6% in September 2026. It is not clear what monitoring the GPhC has undertaken and how it impacted the decision made on 26 March to further increase fees. Learn more: buff.ly/WMroW3u Not yet a member of the PDA? Join today! buff.ly/qraJ5tF
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The PDA @the-pda.bsky.social · 25/03/2026
Superdrug and the #PDAunion have published their first joint statement after a recognition agreement was signed in December 2025. Both parties are pleased to announce that an agreement has been reached in relation to this year’s pay claim, effective from 1 April 2026. Learn more: buff.ly/llEglAM
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The PDA @the-pda.bsky.social · 20/03/2026
The #PDAlgbt Network marked LGBT+ History Month 2026 with an online event on 25 February 🏳️‍🌈. The event brought together members from across the #pharmacy profession to share their lived experiences and explore how the sector can continue to become more inclusive and representative: buff.ly/hBuocDU
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The PDA @the-pda.bsky.social · 19/03/2026
NHS Staff unions, including the #PDAunion, are working with employers and the government to tackle violence in the NHS. Progress so far has included: 📝 Statutory and mandatory training 🫶 Post-incident support 🦺 Safe working practices guidance ➕️ Plus so much more. Learn more: buff.ly/nxOrUCE
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The PDA @the-pda.bsky.social · 18/03/2026
Health and social care are key features of the Scottish parliamentary election in 2026, with #pharmacy and #pharmacists being specifically mentioned in televised debates and political party manifesto pledges. We have launched a manifesto with key asks of the next government: buff.ly/D64BjSC
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The PDA @the-pda.bsky.social · 17/03/2026
The Northern Ireland GP Federations and the #PDAunion are pleased to confirm their latest joint statement following a meeting in January 2026. The statement covers pay, adverse weather protocols, working from home policy and more. Learn more: buff.ly/0rQiQGk
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The PDA @the-pda.bsky.social · 16/03/2026
PDA members around the UK were invited to stand for election, and following a process managed by an independent scrutineer, the results have now been verified. We would like to congratulate all members who have been duly elected to their regional committees. Learn more: buff.ly/fl74l42
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The PDA @the-pda.bsky.social · 12/03/2026
The #PDAlgbt Network was made aware of updated guidance produced by the BMUS on the practice of transvaginal ultrasound examinations.. They note that the guidance recognises transvaginal scans as an important diagnostic modality and considers the patient holistically throughout: buff.ly/Gf0eujc
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The PDA @the-pda.bsky.social · 28/02/2026
In the latest PDA blog, Director of Pharmacy, Jay Badenhorst discusses why the PDA is advocating for a new commissioning framework for community #pharmacy clinical services, the limits of existing Community Pharmacy Contractual Frameworks and the Pharmacy Quality Scheme. Learn more: buff.ly/AxPdAwz
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The PDA @the-pda.bsky.social · 26/02/2026
We are inviting #pharmacists to take part in an important survey that will help shape the our response to current regulatory proposals affecting the role of the Superintendent Pharmacist and Responsible Pharmacists. Learn more and complete the survey today: buff.ly/XnTkoea
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