Independent Prescribing for Pharmacists

HEE have been working with universities who offer GPhC accredited IP and CEPIP courses, to provide an initial offer for courses that will be available before March 2022.

This opportunity will benefit pharmacists who are already in a position to apply and meet the eligibility criteria below, and meets the requirement to progress this training as early as possible for community pharmacists and employers who have signalled they are ready to proceed.

For those pharmacists who are not in a position to apply for this offer, we would encourage you to prepare to apply for the main round of funded Independent Prescriber training that will be available from Autumn 2022.

We are also working to develop the full range of other education and training provision as part of the 2021-24 Pharmacy Integration Programme and will share information and timelines with you when these other offers are confirmed.

Eligibility Criteria

These eligibility criteria relate specifically to independent prescribing courses due to begin prior to March 2022.
Training places which are funded through this offer will (only) be available at those course providers in a nearby geographic location (Our nearest provider is Worcester University)
Inclusion criteria include: 

• ➢ Pharmacists must be working in England.
  ➢ Pharmacists working in Community Pharmacy.
  ➢ Pharmacists working to provide primary care services (e.g. working in primary care / CCG) who are not employed in ARRS role.
  ➢ Pharmacists working in Health and Justice settings.
  ➢ Pharmacists employed in General Practice or enrolled on the NHS Primary

Care Pharmacy Education Programme (PCPEP) are not eligible.

Additionally, pharmacists must demonstrate:

• 1. The support of an identified designated medical practitioner (DMP) or designated prescribing practitioner (DPP).
  2. An appropriate placement arranged for practice-based learning.
  3. Evidence they meet the HEI eligibility criteria (applicants will be subject to their chosen HEI’s enrolment processes).
  4. Commitment to use the skill for the delivery of NHS services as they emerge. 

Independent Prescribing

Pharmacists who meet the eligibility criteria should apply to the course providers directly. Provision will be allocated on a first come, first served basis (based on a complete application). It should be noted that some course providers will have minimum cohort numbers which will need to be met for a course to commence.
Likewise, course providers with a maximum cap on their cohorts may need to close applications ahead of the deadline if this limit is reached.

Next steps

Please cascade this information as appropriate and encourage eligible pharmacists to apply.
Please be reassured that if your pharmacist meets the criteria but does not secure a place prior to March 2022, we will secure further (funded) provision from Autumn 2022.

Please do not hesitate to contact us at pharmacyteam@hee.nhs.uk if you have questions or would like to discuss this offer. Thank you for your consideration. We look forward to working with you.