An independent report published by the General Pharmaceutical Society (GPhC) has highlighted the need for pharmacists and pharmacy technicians to take on a wider role in ensuring the safety of medicines management in care homes.

The report makes several recommendations, including a stronger, more integrated role for pharmacy professionals in care homes, alongside closer working between care homes, community pharmacies and GPs. Other recommendations include improving training for staff and making better use of the medicines review process, as well as better sharing of clinical information between healthcare providers.

Commenting on the report’s publication, Duncan Rudkin, GPhC chief executive, said: “Pharmacy professionals have an important part to play in improving medicines management in care homes and we hope this report contributes to a broader conversation about what pharmacy can and should do to help all care home residents to receive the right medicines at the right time”.

He added that the report findings would be taken into account in the GPhC’s ongoing review of the standards for pharmacy professionals, registered pharmacies and the initial education and training of the pharmacy team.