Some pharmacists may have indemnity insurance from a company other than the PDA but who would still like the benefits that union membership would bring. For these pharmacists, it is possible to join the union without joining the PDA.
Before this decision is made, we would urge pharmacist to ensure that they are satisfied with the indemnity insurance they have. We would argue that cover provided by employers insurance companies may not offer full protection to the employee/locum pharmacist.
If you are happy with your insurance cover, joining the PDA union will provide the benefits listed. You will still receive the best advice from the PDA legal team concerning employment disputes and be entitled to representation and the representative will usually be a pharmacist and will therefore be able to understand the professional issues in any dispute.
On matters concerning professional liabilities, these would have to be taken up with your insurance company, but if you felt that an error occurred due to unreasonable working conditions, it may be a matter for the union to be involved. In these cases, advice from the union may not be the same as from your insurance company as we would be looking after your interests and the insurance company may be looking after the interests of the employer. Each case would then be looked at on its merits. We can offer advice and support but ultimately, it would be your decision how to proceed after advice had been given.
