Delegates who attended the UK's first training course for Responsible Persons (RP) have voted it a huge success, with delegates consistently giving the course top marks of 'outstanding' for both content and delivery.
Article 79(b) of Directive 2001/83/EC requires licence holders to have a RP available to safeguard users against poor distribution practices. The UK MHRA sees the RP roles as being crucial in preventing counterfeit products from entering the legitimate supply chain, and has been sufficiently interested in this initiative by RSSL to follow progress and support the event with key speakers.
The course ensures that all RPs have the necessary knowledge and theory to implement and oversee EU Guidelines on Good Distribution of Medicinal Products for Human Use 94/C 63/03, and the requirements included in the MHRA 2007 Orange Guide. It aims to develop the skills of Responsible Persons (RP), and those aiming for RP status, currently working in the wholesale distribution of pharmaceuticals.
RSSL Pharma Training is the first organisation in the UK to offer formal training for RP's in this way, and it is clear from delegate feedback that the course already hits the mark. "Delegates were asked to assess the course content and tutors against five criteria, and the marks were consistently between the top two grades on all counts," says Lyndsey Wright, Training Manager at RSSL Pharma Training. "We are confident that the content and format are giving RP's the information they need to exercise their responsibilities back in the workplace, but will look to continuously improve each course by responding to feedback about the needs of our clients and the industry. Significantly, we are hoping that this will provide the foundation of a formal qualification for RP's - one of the recommendations to come out of the current MHRA consultation process – thus raising standards right across the board so that ultimately patients are protected against the growing scourge of counterfeit products."
There is still limited availability on a second course in December, and more dates scheduled for early 2010.