UKCPA wins NHSE contract to deliver funded training places for critical care pharmacists

The training is part of a wider NHSE programme aimed at addressing workforce concerns in critical care

More than 300 fully-funded training places will be open to pharmacists and pharmacy technicians working in adult critical care units in England this year.

NHS England has awarded a contract to the UK Clinical Pharmacy Association (UKCPA) to deliver 200 funded continuing professional development places for pharmacists and pharmacy technicians from April 2024.

Another school of pharmacy, the name of which has not been announced yet, will deliver 100 funded places on a pharmacist adult critical care pathway.

There are already 15 funded places on an adult critical care training pathway for pharmacy technicians provided by the University of Bradford.

Reacting to evidence indicating workforce concerns in critical care, NHS England invited bids from training providers for delivering the training in November 2023.

As stated on the NHS England Workforce, Education, and Training website, the training is a part of the wider NHSE critical care workforce programme, ensuring that each unit has an advanced level pharmacist with the relevant competencies to work in such a setting.

Sarah Carter, chief executive at UKCPA, told The Pharmaceutical Journal that participants attending their foundation modules will have “exceptional access to the UK’s most expert critical care pharmacy practitioners, both through content and live interaction with expert individuals.”

Further, she said that the training will include online sessions with experts, on-demand content, and a face-to-face event to facilitate networking, consolidate clinical skills and provide continuous access to over 2,500 practitioners for peer support. Additionally, resources from 17 communities, involving 450 practitioners specializing in critical care, will be made available to participants, she added.

Joseph Oakley, associate director of assessment and credentialing at the Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS), expressed confidence that this training will enable pharmacy professionals to deliver “high-quality services” in adult critical care.

He emphasised the crucial role of pharmacists working at advancing levels of practice in ensuring high-quality services in critical care and improving patient care.