Additional aspects of hospital pharmacy training programmes

Regional courses and study days

Courses and study days are organised by NHS pharmacy training services for hospital pre-registration trainee pharmacists in a similar geographical area. These provide carefully developed training to complement that provided at the base hospital and to meet the needs of hospital pre-registration trainee pharmacists. Training is delivered in an environment which provides peer support, networking and lots of fun. Topics include those that are best covered in a group or require specialist input not readily available at the base hospital, such as first aid training, responding to symptoms, pharmaceutical calculations and the Drug Tariff. Topics are linked to pharmacy practice and the Royal Pharmaceutical Society's pre-registration trainee pharmacist training programme and registration exam syllabus. Support for the registration exam is provided and a mock exam is usually organised.

Rotational training and in-house training sessions

All hospital pre-registration trainee pharmacists will undergo training in a number of different sections of the pharmacy. They will receive a summary of their training rota at the start of their pre-registration training year. Opportunities to participate in activities such as clinical pharmacy meetings and case presentations will be provided. Many hospitals arrange in-house study days or training sessions which complement the rotational training provided and the regional courses and study days attended.

Project work

All hospital pre-registration trainee pharmacists undertake an audit project and may also be involved in other project work. Writing up the project and presenting it to other pharmacy or healthcare colleagues helps to develop report writing, project management, time management, problem-solving and presentation skills. Each regional pharmacy training service organises a project awards event and pre-registration trainee pharmacists are encouraged to enter their projects for the chance to win a prize.

Regular meetings with tutor and trainers

Regular meetings are encouraged with tutors and trainers to receive and provide feedback regarding training and progress.

In summary, a hospital pharmacy pre-registration training year provides a variety of activities and experiences that enable you to develop your professional, technical, communication, interpersonal and management skills in preparation for your career in pharmacy.