Action 2F Pharmacy Induction

Summary 

Description 
and Benefits

This project created clear induction support for pharmacy staff starting new roles in GP practices. It built on the GP Pharmacist Transition Programme and tested a new Medicines Optimisation Training Programme for pharmacy technicians. The GP Pharmacist Transition Programme is free and lasts up to one year. It helps pharmacists who are new to GP practice gain skills and confidence, even if they have worked in hospitals or community pharmacies before. The programme includes up to 21 days of support in practice with a GP pharmacist tutor and 3 extra days of skills training from HEIW. Training follows the Royal Pharmaceutical Society’s Competency Framework using an online portfolio to make sure practice is safe and effective. HEIW pays tutor costs up to £8,400. 

The pharmacy technician pilot started in April 2024. It uses the Medicines Optimisation Training Programme from Pharmacy Workforce Development South (PWDS) to see if it works well for Wales. So far, 28 technicians have joined across three groups, with the last group finishing in May 2026. The course has four modules and takes 14 months. HEIW funds each place at £2,995, giving GP Pharmacy Technicians moving into general practice a formal qualification. 

Next steps

The GP Pharmacist Transition Programme is considered HEIW core business and will continue to run to aid in the transition of Pharmacists moving into work in general practice. 

The PWDS GP Pharmacy Technician Medicines Optimisation Training Programme has recently undergone some changes, and the revised course is due to be piloted for Cohort 4 starting in the New Year. Feedback from Cohort 4 will build on that from Cohorts 1-3 to determine the direction of GP Pharmacy Technician Transition Programme training in Wales going forward.