The Royal Pharmaceutical Society has been awarded a new contract to deliver clinical training and registration assessment support for Foundation Trainee Pharmacists, formerly Pre-Registration Trainees, in Northern Ireland.
Starting in July 2021, RPS will deliver a structured education and training programme comprising the clinical elements of the Northern Ireland Centre for Pharmacy Learning and Development (NICPLD) training programme, and a half and full mock exam with in-depth feedback.
Working closely with NICPLD throughout to share performance and progress of the 143 trainees, the training will prepare them for the Common Registration Assessment 2022.
The RPS has run a comprehensive programme of pre-registration revision and support since 2012 for trainees in England, Scotland and Wales, but this will be the first time it supports Foundation Trainee Pharmacists with this sort of programme in Northern Ireland.
Gail Fleming, Director of Education and Professional Development at RPS, said: “It is fantastic news that we have been offered this training contract to help shape Northern Ireland’s pharmacists of tomorrow.
“I am delighted that we are strengthening our relationship with colleagues in Northern Ireland, and we will help support trainees as they work towards being independent practitioners and sitting the Common Registration Assessment in summer 2022.”
Colin Adair, Postgraduate Pharmacy Dean at NICPLD, added: “We have collaborated with the RPS over many years, and are particularly pleased to be able to formalise our relationship with this new contract to support trainees preparing for the CRA.
“The RPS has a fantastic reputation for supporting the profession and we look forward to working with them during this critical phase for pharmacy as we transition to the foundation training year and beyond that to advanced and consultant practice.”