NES explains new preregistration scheme
New arrangements for preregistration training in Scotland will be in place in time for next year's applications.
The intention to create a national
scheme co-ordinated by NHS Education for Scotland (NES) was announced earlier this year (PJ, 23 September,
p359). This week, Rose Marie Parr, director of NES Pharmacy, told The
Journal that the scheme has now been approved by the NES board. NES is
getting ready to receive the first applications through the scheme in
spring.
Under the scheme — known as the NHS Pre-Registration Pharmacist
Scheme (PRPS) — NES will control the organisation, administration
and funding of preregistration placements in hospital and community pharmacy.
All placements will involve a similar programme including at least eight
weeks of cross-sectoral experience and national study days. Tutors will
also receive support. Funding will include a grant to cover the preregistration
salary (based on Agenda for Change) and employer costs.
In a statement, NES said: “It is not known which of the community
employers will be joining the scheme, though it is very much hoped that
all will want to take part. Any community employers not wishing to be
part of the scheme can still provide preregistration training but they
will not receive the grant or benefit from the support structures being
put in place. It is expected that the scheme will recruit the same number
of preregistration pharmacists as have been trained in previous years
in Scotland — around 160.”
Application packs for PRPS placements in 2008–09 will be available
from NES from spring 2007. The deadline for applications will be 11 June
2007, with interviews taking place in September 2007. Selection will
be organised by NES and involve a panel of interviewers from hospital
and community practice. |
The
Pharmaceutical Journal
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