Get Ready

Written by Laure James - Editor Pharmacy in Focus

Monday, 07 June 2010 14:19

The final day of the UCA Pre-reg Training Programme 2009/10 was held last month, and this time it focused on one key subject area - business management.   Anne McAlister, Pharmacy Services Manager with NPA, delivered the seminar covering a variety of business topics with most relevance to pharmacies and the pre-reg exam syllabus. VAT, recruitment and employment guidelines plus consumer protection such as data protection & freedom of information acts and how they relate to pharmacy. Anne also covered the latest legal change affecting pharmacy, the Vetting and Barring legislation coming into effect in July.   When covering decision making and business planning, the presentations became more interactive, with the students enjoying an exercise in negotiation using toy construction blocks! Anne looked at how to market a pharmacy and its services and the importance of looking ahead at new developments politically, socially and professionally so as to adapt the business accordingly. ìI was delighted to have the opportunity to present guidance on business management, delivered through a variety of training materials and practical worked examples which helped to provide students with an introduction to business management skills,î Anne told NIPinF. ìSome of the information was designed to be of immediate use to students as they prepare for their exam. However, the course also hopes to provide some guidance to students as they move into the professional arena as fully fledged pharmacists, and equip them with skills to have confidence in managing their career and participating in a wide spectrum of activities.î As part of her presentation, Anne examined how to appropriately make a business plan to expand a pharmacy business or to establish a new service, as well as how to market these effectively. Such advice offered students the fundamentals in how to collate a business or commissioning plan, and to develop this into a pharmacy service. ìStudents were also given the opportunity to apply theory through a series of case studies and were introduced to the wide range of NPA resources that support the development and implementation of pharmacy services,î Anne added. ìBasic business law including Data Protection, consumer law, Freedom of Information and VAT are all essential items listed on the Pre-registration syllabus and students were supplied with brief revision notes and links to further information.î The programme also looked at details on major employment issues, including recruiting and staff management. ìIt is also important to reiterate the significant recent and pending legislation including Responsible Pharmacist and the implications this has on their practice as they become registered pharmacists, and Vetting and Barring Regulations,î Anne added. ìNPA are delighted to be involved in the pre-reg training programme by providing an Introduction to Business Management. I am very pleased that the day helped to assist students and their tutors in meeting their regulatory responsibilities and developing their business.î The day ended with a presentation on Health Safety from Anne and guest speaker, Gillian McEvoy, environmental health officer with Belfast City Council. This covered all aspects of Health and Safety which must be observed in a retail pharmacy setting. Students were also given the chance to review their obligations in line with the recent Standards for Retail Pharmacy Premises issued from the Pharmaceutical Society of Northern Ireland.   ìI would like to take this opportunity to thank all the students who attended the UCA programme for their hard work and their tutors for their support,î said UCA secretary Adrienne Clugston. ìBest wishes to all pre-reg students for your exam and we look forward to seeing you all at the UCA Pre-reg Seminar on June 12.î   The UCA Pre-reg Training Programme for 2010-11 will be launched in June and all tutors will receive programme information and booking forms soon.