COVID-19: 21st August round-up for primary care
Registration for the Interim Foundation Pharmacist Programme is now live
Registration is open for the Interim Foundation Pharmacist Programme (IFPP) and the course begins from September 2020. Provisionally registered pharmacists should sign up to the Health Education England (HEE) dedicated IFPP web page. This includes a flowchart outlining the eligibility criteria and process, and the registration form. HEE is updating its FAQs regularly.
The Centre for Postgraduate Pharmacy Education will deliver the IFPP for provisionally registered pharmacists who work in community pharmacy. Find out more on the CPPE website. The new RPS E-portfolio for provisional registrants is also live, and funded for the 12-month duration of the programme.
To request the weekly email updates or submit your questions, please contact fpp@hee.nhs.uk.
Pharmacy Quality Scheme Part 2 for 2020/21 – initial update
The Pharmacy Quality Scheme (PQS) Part 2 has been agreed and the final, detailed requirements will be published in the Drug Tariff in September. In the meantime, community pharmacies are being asked to look at the initial information shared on the Pharmaceutical Services Negotiating Committee’s website. It has been agreed that completion of the Part 1 scheme will be a Gateway requirement for the Part 2 scheme.
We would like to emphasise the PCN domain where community pharmacy and GP practices will need to collaborate to maximise flu vaccine uptake. In addition, community pharmacy is being asked to coordinate with their PCNs regarding business continuity during the pandemic.
Pharmacy contractors are asked to ensure that all outstanding staff risk assessments are undertaken and mitigating actions put in place as soon as possible.
Primary care networks and care homes
The COVID-19 pandemic has brought into sharp focus how important it is for primary care network teams to be well organised and support care home residents and staff.
The NHS Confederation’s PCN Network’s new briefing explores pharmacy’s role in PCN multidisciplinary teams supporting care homes, including case studies, top tips and where to go for support.
