Pharmacy Department - Northampton General Hospital

Training and Development

Introduction

Induction Programme

The induction programme is tailored to the individual depending on their previous, if any, experience, and also on the particular role they have been employed to do. A named mentor within the department is assigned to provide help and advice during the initial induction period.

New staff also attend the NGH Trust Induction Course provided for all healthcare staff.

Training and Development Plan

Training and development needs are identified by the individual, with the help of their Line Manager, through the Individual Appraisal process. These can be varied and will depend on previous experience and on the individual’s particular career aspirations.

Workforce Development Confederation (WDC) Funding

Some funding is received from the Leicestershire, Northamptonshire and Rutland WDC. This covers pre-registration pharmacists, trainee MTO's and CPD for pharmacists and technicians.

Professional Development

 We are committed to Continuing Professional Development (CPD) and we provide support for staff in this area.

All staff keep a record of the training they have received. We encourage feedback to the line manager and it is noted during your appraisal. Pharmacists are expected to keep details of their training and professional development activities. This provides evidence of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain’s requirement to participate in at least thirty hours of continuing education per year.

The department is accredited with the College of Pharmacy Practice and membership of the College is encouraged.

Training Opportunities

These are available within the Pharmacy, within the Trust and also externally.

Within Pharmacy:Training sessions are provided internally when training needs are identified. These may be on an individual or group basis.

Within the Trust: There is a large selection of training courses provided by NGH Trust to meet individual’s training needs. These range from issues such as Time Management and Appraisal to externally accredited management qualifications.

External Training Opportunities: for Pharmacists and Pharmacy Technicians, training days on therapeutic topics are organised. There are opportunities to formalise this training, leading to Postgraduate Certificates, Diplomas or MSc’s.

Postgraduate Training

For qualified Pharmacists, there are opportunities to undertake postgraduate training, with the support of the Service. These will depend on the individual’s training needs and previous experience.

Newly qualified Pharmacists or Pharmacists with experience outside Hospital Pharmacy can take the opportunity to attend ‘Introduction to Clinical Pharmacy’ training sessions.

Specialist Skills

For all Pharmacists, there are opportunities to attend Study Days on therapeutic topics, including more advanced clinical and specialist skills. Many of these courses are run at Oxford where we have links with the UWCC Clinical Diploma. The majority of our junior pharmacists chose to undertake the 3 year diploma to develop their clinical expertise.

Formal Qualifications

Also, a number of formal postgraduate qualifications have been undertaken. These include:

- Certificates/Diplomas/MSc’s in Clinical Pharmacy (both as day release and distance learning).
- Certificate/Diploma in Psychiatric Pharmacy.
- Certificate/Diploma/MSc in Aseptic Services.
- MSc in Clinical Oncology.
- National Development Scheme for Senior Pharmacists.
- Management qualifications such as CMS, DMS, NVQ4, OU, MBA.

In addition, membership of the College of Pharmacy Practice is encouraged and Specialist updating, such as attending conferences is also supported.

If you would like any further information contact Russell Parsons or Rachel Westwood, Lead Clinical  Pharmacists on 01604 545696 or e-mail:

 

Russell.Parsons@ngh.nhs.uk

Rachel.Westwood@ngh.nhs.uk

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