The entire dynamic of pharmacy shifted last month when the Department announced its pre-orchestrated attempts to reform the Minor Ailments Scheme. Contractors, backed by the Ulster Chemists’ Association (UCA) and the Pharmaceutical Contractors’ Committee (PCC), withdrew from the service en masse much to the Department’s pr...
With high blood pressure thought to affect as many as one in five people in Northern Ireland, thousands of people throughout the country could be suffering from the condition without realising it. Gordons Chemists have made blood pressure testing a priority for their health promotion strategy, introducing free testing events at ...
| Tomorrow's Pharmacists |
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| Written by Laure James - Editor Pharmacy in Focus | |
| Monday, 28 July 2008 14:07 | |
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While the future of pharmacy can often be a largely uncertain concept, the one thing that can be relied upon is a consistently high standard of new pharmacists joining the register each year after a challenging, rewarding and very educational time as a pre-registration trainee. Life as a pre-registration pharmacist can be worlds apart from the time spent at university, with differences found in everything from a typical day to changing priorities.  Whilst many qualified pharmacists will remember their pre-registration year fondly, it’s seldom an easy ride, with a new dispensary to get to grips with, the first opportunity to manage patients face to face, the pre-registration portfolio and of course the end of year registration examination. Sangers (NI) Ltd recognised the need for structured training for their customer base and teamed up with Jacqui Dougan from TLC Performance to provide a comprehensive and interactive programme for pre-registration pharmacists. The course, now in its second year, was so oversubscribed that the company had to run two separate programmes. Each programme consists of five practical training days with access to a unique on-line responding to symptoms programme, CaseInteract. Covering all aspects of the pre-registration year through a number of techniques, including practical workshops and role play, real time practice examinations, drug tariff and MEP workshops, calculation training and open discussions and presentations, the programme has become one of the key elements of the year for many pre-registration pharmacists and their tutors. Jacqui, who provides both clinical and management training throughout Ireland and the UK, recognises what an important time of transition the pre-registration year is. “I have worked with pre-registration pharmacists for a number of years and I understand the particular needs of this audience,” she explained. “Sangers (NI) Ltd have been particularly generous in subsidising this programme and it demonstrates their continued commitment to the development of the profession in Northern Ireland. It was great to have a mixture of pre-registration pharmacists from both the community and hospital sectors. “We have been delighted at the response to the programme and look forward to welcoming this year’s candidates in October 2008. We will be adding some new features to the programme to reflect service development in community pharmacy. I would advise tutors to book early as the places are quickly occupied.”  Feedback from the students is testament to how valuable the course is, at all stages throughout the year. “The course is an excellent chance to catch up with other pre-reg trainees, many of whom you went to university with and will know very well,” explained Ryan Graham. “When you see others that you’ve spent the previous four years learning different things with, it makes for a comfortable environment to discuss your experiences and any problems you’ve had at different points throughout your pre-reg year.” Claire Kearney agrees. “The course is extremely well-tailored to what a pre-reg needs, which is a combination of practical learning and discussions about how to handle a given situation in the dispensary and exam practice and revision,” she explains. “It can be really difficult to find time to prepare for the exam while you’re busy throughout the day and then working on your portfolio in the evening. The courses have really helped to keep me focused.” Sheelin McKeagney, contractor of McKeagneys Chemists, also highly values the course. “We have been using Jacqui Dougans program for a two years,” he explained. “The students provide excellent feedback about the course, citing the very practical advice given by the tutor. The real benefit to me as a tutor is to cover areas where specialist knowledge is required.” One of Sheelin’s pre-reg trainees Jason Murphy described the course as “very worthwhile” and recommends the programme to all pre-regs. “The course allowed more formal learning and looked at complete subject areas allowing me to identify weaknesses and any areas that may require more attention,” Jason said. “The course also provided excellent exam preparation involving open and closed book multiple choice questions and calculations of increasing difficulty.”  Peter Surgenor, Managing Director of Sangers (NI) Ltd, commented; “We as a company are extremely committed to people development and it gives us great pleasure to invest in the future of pharmacy in Northern Ireland. We are looking forward to welcoming a new intake this year and we are delighted that Jacqui Dougan will once again co-ordinate the pre-registration programme for us. We welcome pre-registration pharmacists from both community and hospital sectors to apply for the programme.”To apply for the Sangers Pre-Registration Programme, contact Alison McBride on 028 9040 1111 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it . Closing date for applications is 15 September 2008. Places are limited so please apply as early as possible.
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