Category: Equality and data protection

Understand GDPR, patient confidentiality, and equality laws to ensure compliance and safeguard patient information.

Equality and data protection Pharmacist and technician responsibilities Pharmacy premises standards

Confidentiality and data protection in pharmacy: the law and professional duties

Pharmacy professionals routinely handle information that patients expect to remain private: prescriptions, medication histories, consultation notes and information about their personal circumstances. Confidentiality affects everyday decisions, from answering a relative’s question at the counter to sharing information with a GP or responding to a police request.

The legal framework has several layers. Complying with data protection law does not, by itself, satisfy the duty of confidentiality. Pharmacy professionals must consider both, alongside their professional obligations.

The UK GDPR and Data Protection Act 2018 must be read as amended, including by the Data (Use and Access) Act 2025. The 2025 Act amends the existing framework rather than replacing it with a new confidentiality regime.

Equality and data protection Handling complaints and patient safety Pharmacist and technician responsibilities

Safeguarding in Pharmacy

Safeguarding is a core responsibility for pharmacy professionals. Pharmacists and pharmacy teams have a legal, professional, and ethical duty to protect children and vulnerable adults from abuse or neglect, while also respecting patient confidentiality.

Balancing these duties requires careful judgement, supported by legislation and professional standards.

Safeguarding responsibilities in pharmacy arise from several key pieces of legislation: