Workforce
The sections below will take you to further information about Workforce development and support that is available within Norfolk.
HEE funding – Independent Prescribing places
HEE have released significant funds to support Pharmacists to complete their Independent Prescribing. The full tuition fee will be covered but the programme, at the moment, is for 1 year only. More information on the programme and how to apply can be found here:
Independent Prescribing | Health Education England (hee.nhs.uk)
UEA are a HEE-approved provider of this scheme and UEA can take pharmacists immediately, with cohorts starting in September and January that will be within HEE’s funding timeline. The funding will be distributed strictly on a first completed application, first served basis. If you feel that you can start on the September pathway, please make an application immediately and with attention to the supporting documentation the GPhC requires in order to admit you to a course. Completed applications get processed first and therefore are more likely to achieve a funded place.
While the GPhC have agreed to rescind the 2 year experience rule for prescribing training, they have not yet issued guidance that would allow providers to admit such students to a programme. So currently, the requirement for at least 2 years experience stands and this is a national position.
If you have any further questions please contact the Training Hub (email: norfolkwaveneytraininghub@nhs.net)
Locum Pharmacist Information
If you are going to be working as a locum in the Norfolk area below you will find some helpful links to services provided across the area.
To work as a locum in Norfolk please ensure you have considered all of the areas below and taken action where needed.
Smartcards
Across Norfolk pharmacies are using EPS and SCR so having a smartcard with the access needed to operate both of these services is a must. Click here for smartcard support.
Services
Across Norfolk we offer a wide range of enhanced services and locally commissioned services. To find out more about all of the services we offer across Norfolk visit our Services sections on this website. It would also be useful to speak with the pharmacy you are going to be working in to find out which contracts they are signed up to provide.
For most pharmacies it is becoming increasingly essential to hold a valid DBS check – particularly in pharmacies providing Sexual Health services.
Staff Wellbeing, Local And National Support
Staff Wellbeing
Below are some links to external organisations for pharmacy staff to access if needed for help and support with wellbeing. Please also check within your organisation to see if they offer help and support for staff wellbeing, many have links already set up for free, confidential advice.
If you need an emergency service dial 999 If you feel you are in crisis, experiencing feelings of despair or are suicidal, contact the Samaritans on 116 123 You can also call your GP.
In the current climate of increasing pressures on our healthcare system, our NHS people potentially face significant stresses. We have introduced a confidential staff support line, operated by the Samaritans and free to access from 7:00am – 11:00pm, seven days a week. To speak to a Samaritans advisor, please call 0800 069 6222.
The Samaritans support line is here for all our NHS colleagues who have had a tough day, are feeling worried or overwhelmed, or who have a lot on their mind and need to talk it through. Trained advisers can help with signposting and confidential listening. You can also access support through our text service, by texting FRONTLINE to 85258 for support 24/7.
New NHS Health and Wellbeing programme launched to support primary care staff across Norfolk and Waveney
The “Who Cares?” campaign recognises and values the critical role primary care staff play in supporting patient care across Norfolk and Waveney. It will ensure that these staff have equitable access to HW&B resources, in line with their NHS counterparts.
The 12-month campaign, which is being run by the NHS, recognises the huge commitment and hard work being undertaken everyday by all staff in primary care under increasingly challenging circumstances.
A support package of HW&B resources has been developed for all staff across the four primary care sectors and consists of three key components:
1. #WeCareTogether website
2. The Shapes Programme
3. Resilient Team Academy (RTA)
All primary Care staff can access these resources at the #WeCareTogether website
Support for pre-registration pharmacists and pharmacy technicians – Community
How are you feeling in these uncertain times? How have your training programmes and duties changed?
Our offer to you:
- An STP workforce point of contact – Ceinwen.mannall@nchc.nhs.uk
- Peer support – email your telephone number and name to Ceinwen.mannall@nchc.nhs.ukto be added to a peer support WhatsApp group
Wellbeing resources for you:
https://pharmacistsupport.org/how-we-can-help/wardley-wellbeing-hub/
Self Care Mind – stress information
Our thanks to University of East Anglia for these resources.
