Leicester’s pharmacist prescribing programme is a national first

Employer demand has led to the University of Leicester launching the UK’s first independent pharmacist prescribing programme.

The CPD Pharmacist Independent Prescribing course supports any pharmacist wishing to train as an independent prescriber, in any UK location.

The University recently received accreditation from the General Pharmaceutical Council to deliver the programme, has been awarded a national contract from Health Education England to train 250 community pharmacists a year. 

The programme requires just seven days out of work for face-to-face training, which comprises just two in-person study days and five interactive webinars. The first cohort of students started in late September and there are plans to have a minimum of two entry points per year.

Professor David Wright, author of the Wright Review, who led the initiative to establish the prescribing programne, said: “I am delighted that, in response to a number of requests from community pharmacy employers, we have created a programme fit for any pharmacist wishing to train as an independent prescriber in any UK location. 

“With an experienced team of pharmacist educators and prescribers delivering the course, I am confident that trainees will get a great learning experience.”

The course director, Professor Debi Bhattacharya, added: “We have carefully designed the course to support trainees from diverse clinical and experiential backgrounds. 

“The use of technology to make online learning interesting and interactive provides flexibility to the trainee by allowing them to choose when they want to learn, at their own pace. 

“It has the added benefit of allowing trainees to maximise their time learning instead of travelling. Furthermore, all e-learning activities and assessments are linked to GPhC standards, thus overcoming the need for trainees to undertake laborious mapping themselves.”