23 November 2009
Edinburgh & Lothians Seminars a Success
The Edinburgh & Lothians Branch's strategy recognised that
whilst open meetings on professional and clinical matters had been
the mainstay of Branches' activities, new approaches were required
to provide pharmacists with means of developing practical skills as
well as updating knowledge. During the past three years new
initiatives have included interactive online tutorials on CPD,
facilitated discussion groups to prepare responses on key
consultation documents, and seminars on the new CD Regulations.
The latest innovation has been to pilot two 'return to work
seminars', through a joint initiative between the local RPSGB
Branch, the NHS Lothian Community Pharmacy Practitioner Champions
and two community pharmacies, Morrisons in Dedridge, Livingston,
and Boots at Ocean Terminal, Leith.
Two seminars were run in the autumn last last year to
update pharmacists on current developments especially those
relating to the new Scottish community pharmacy contract and the
public health agenda. The seminars were designed for pharmacists
returning to work after a short career break as well as locums who
felt they would benefit from a wider overview of current
developments. Numbers were restricted to five at each session so
that the Pharmacists could receive individual attention, and the
seminars were held at family friendly times, between 10.am and
2.00pm, so that people could come after dropping off their children
at school and leave with sufficient time to collect them. Lunch was
also provided.
The seminars were deemed to be very successful in meeting the
needs of those who attended. Further such seminars are planned for
the future together with one on implementation of the new CD
regulations. A mentoring system for pharmacists returning to work
is also under consideration. Developing the theme of providing
opportunities for pharmacists to enhance practical skills the
Branch is intending early next year to run workshops for improving
computer skills.
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Boots Pharmacist, Clair Cormie demonstrating aspects of the
Acute Medication Service
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Scanning in details of prescriptions - as part of the Acute
Medication Service
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Susan Macfarlane, Pharmacist being shown details of the
Unscheduled Care Pharmacy Guidelines at Morrison's Pharmacy.
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A similar seminar was held in the summer last year on Controlled
Drugs so that pharmacists can update themselves on what is required
under current CD Regulations - all three seminars were held the day
time at family friendly times.
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Judy Gillies, Lead Pharmacist Controlled Drugs Governance NHS
Lothians, taking the CD Update Seminar at 36 York Place
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Anne Gilchrist. Lead Pharmacist Medicines Information Team, NHS
Lothian assisting pharmacists with navigation of Medicines
information websites |