Pharmacists who carry out non-surgical aesthetic procedures will be placed under increased scrutiny after the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) and Joint Council for Cosmetic Practitioners (JCCP) established a framework that will see them exchange information and intelligence to ensure standards are being upheld.

The bodies signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) which the GPhC said would “support the sharing of information, intelligence, expertise and experience” when it came to maintaining public safety when using pharmacy services.

GPhC chief executive Duncan Rudkin said its collaboration with the JCCP was important given how rapidly pharmacy services are changing well beyond their dispensing function. Some community pharmacies provide botox and dermal fillers.

Under the MoU, the JCCP will relay any concerns and information it has about a pharmacy professional carrying out non-surgical aesthetic procedures to the GPhC “where a satisfactory resolution through the pharmacy professional’s employer has not been achieved.”

The JCCP will also inform pharmacy’s regulator about any concerns it has about a pharmacy premises or whether a pharmacy owner “is fit to own a registered pharmacy.”

Rudkin said: “We are pleased to have agreed this MoU with the JCCP and we are committed to implementing it. This MoU is part of our ongoing efforts to protect patients by collaborating with our partners and improving the sharing of information with the sector.

“This is particularly important as the scope and range of pharmacy services change at pace.” 

JCCP chair professor David Sines said: “We are aware that an increasing number of aesthetic pharmacists are now engaged in delivering non-surgical treatments.

“The JCCP is delighted to have signed this agreement with the GPhC which recognizes the JCCP educational, clinical and practice-based standards and puts in place clear operational arrangements for the exchange of information and for working together on fitness to practise cases.”

(Pictured: kali9 - iStock)