HEE has announced an extra year of funding for independent prescribing courses to support pharmacists in a number of settings.

The training aims to enable pharmacists to support patients from diagnosis to prescribing, provide advice and follow-up, while at the same time helping them to feel confident and prepared for the new challenges of their role.

The training is part of an effort across the health system to improve access to care in local communities and address health inequalities.

Eligible pharmacists can apply for one of 3,000 places on independent prescribing courses at universities across England. The courses will be available between April 2023 and March 2024.

To be considered, pharmacists need to demonstrate (as a minimum): he support of an identified designated prescribing practitioner (DPP); an appropriate practice-based learning environment in a prescribing setting that can offer appropriate clinical support; evidence that they meet the course provider eligibility criteria (applicants will be subject to their chosen university’s enrolment processes); and commitment to use the skill within their area of competence and expertise, for the delivery of NHS clinical services as they emerge.

Alan Ryan, Deputy Chief Operating Officer for Health education England, said:

“I am delighted to confirm an additional year of fully funded independent prescribing places for pharmacists for 2023/24.

“Supporting the existing pharmacy workforce to train as independent prescribers is so important – so we have the workforce to develop and deliver new models of prescribing services in pharmacy, and so we continue to support pharmacists to skill-up in line with the reform of the Initial Education and Training of Pharmacists.

“I encourage pharmacists from across sectors, including community pharmacy and locums, to seize this opportunity.”

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