We have been made aware by our clients that the GPhC has recently written to contractors to remind them of their obligations to notify the GPhC of any change of pharmacy ownership within 28 days of the change occurring. We have also been informed by one of our clients that they have had a Breach issued due to a delay in informing the NHS of changes to Directors and Superintendent Pharmacist.
We thought it was important to remind our clients of your obligations to notify the NHS and, in part, the GPhC of any business changes.
You must within 30 days notify the NHS, of any changes to the following:
- Changes of Directors – this includes adding additional directors and removing directors. Even if a director has resigned and then been reappointed, the NHS still need to be notified as the appropriate checks need to be undertaken again.
- Changes of Superintendent Pharmacist.
- Changes to registered office – If the company registered office has changed, you have an obligation to notify the NHS and GPHC of this change.
Failure to notify the NHS of Change of Directors/ Superintendents has rarely been taken as seriously as it is now.
Furthermore, you must notify the GPhC within 28 days:
- If the pharmacy has changed ownership (unless this was by way of a share sale).
- If there has been a change to the superintendent pharmacist (including when a pharmacy has changed ownership by way of a share sale, as this will usually involve a change of superintendent as well).
Furthermore, you also have an obligation to notify the NHS of any Fitness to Practice issues within 7 days of being notified of the investigation. This is particularly relevant where you have applications under consideration or are planning to submit applications under the Regulations.
If you need any help with completing these forms, please get in touch.
