Kate Preston
I think the training I went through was fit for purpose, however, I understand there has been variation across different sectors and that improvement has been needed to standardise the training. I feel that the improvements in the Initial Education and Training Standards from the GPhC and also the proposed new qualification is a step in the right direction to standardise the training for all pharmacy technicians. However, I am disappointed that the improvements and standardisation have led to the removal of technical services training from the pharmacy technician qualification.
I feel that pharmacy technicians in the aseptic and other manufacturing sectors (particularly when they are operating in Unlicenced (Section 10) units) have a very important role to play in the safe manufacture and provision of Specials. The skills gained in areas such as Store and Distribution when working with other members of the MDT and having an understanding of patient pathways all assist in the delivery of aseptic services.
I hope that further work will continue to develop a Foundation Framework of education and training for all pharmacy technicians within all sectors, of which aseptic and technical services would be one of them.
I completely agree. In focussing on developing roles, core skills have been sacrificed, even procurement and safe disposal of medicines are only “knows how” instead of “does”