|
|
|
Community Pharmacy Devon Weekly Dose đź’Š |
|
Thursday 14th May 2026 |
|
|
|
Welcome to your weekly injection of local and national pharmacy news. As always, if you have any feedback or comments, please contact us by email at admin@cpdevon.org.uk. |
|
|
Final Reminder for the CPTAP Applications for Funding |
|
We are writing to remind you that the Community Pharmacy Technician Apprenticeship Programme (CPTAP) Application of Funding (AoF) window is open until Monday 18 May 2026, at midday. Application of Funding (AoF) requests for the South West region, must be submitted using the South West regional online application form.
If you were unable to attend a national or regional stakeholder engagement session, you can access a recording along with the transcript and links to resources referred to on our SWAY page. Guidance to support completion of an application, along with further programme information, is available on our website.
If you have any questions, please email england.WTEpharmacy.sw@nhs.net and include “Community Pharmacy Technician Apprenticeship Programme 2026” in the subject field.
There is also an offer of support from Skills4Health; for any contractor who has not yet submitted an application it is definitely not too late. Skills4Health are happy to support contractors through the process. You can email info@skills4group.co.uk or call 0161 7940528. |
|
|
Data Security and Protection Toolkit (DSPTK) 2026 - Deadline Tuesday 30 June 2026 |
|
The Data Security and Protection Toolkit is an online self-assessment tool that allows organisations to measure their performance against the National Data Guardian’s 10 data security standards. All organisations that have access to NHS patient data and systems must use this toolkit to provide assurance that they are practising good data security and that personal information is handled correctly. This system is subject to ongoing development.
Community pharmacy owners are encouraged to complete the DSPTK as soon as possible. The deadline for completing the mandatory questions in the Toolkit 2026 is 30th June 2026.
The completion of the DSPTK is a contractual requirement under Regulation 18 of The Local Authority Social Services and National Health Service Complaints (England) Regulations 2009 and in accordance with Schedule 4 Part 4 paragraph 35 (4) of the National Health Services (Pharmaceutical and Local Pharmaceutical Services) Regulations 2013 and failure to complete the DSPTK within the deadline given, may lead to further contractual sanctions.
Read more here |
|
|
Referrals from 111 |
|
As holiday season is fast approaching now is a good time to revisit the specification for Pharmacy First. Remember that if you receive a referral from another provider such as 111, best practice is that YOU should call the health care professional line and not direct the patient back to 111 as the system will still prompt them back to pharmacy. This healthcare professional line gives you the option to be able to hold clinical conversations with a member of the team and ensure that the patient receives the right care. It is also a good time to ensure that you have all the relevant healthcare professional details for the practices around you to ensure a safe transfer of care should you need to escalate to another professional. If you are unsure on the details for other healthcare professionals such as 111 then please reach out to the LPC office.
Please also view this document detailing the services your pharmacy team can offer. |
|
|
Be Tick Aware Campaign May 2026 |
|
As we move to warmer weather, pharmacy teams may see more patients with tick bites and potential signs of Lyme disease. While this isn't covered under the Pharmacy First pathway, recognising key symptoms – such as a bullseye (erythema migrans) rash – can help teams signpost patients appropriately.
Lyme Disease UK is holding their annual Be Tick Aware campaign this month to raise awareness of how to prevent tick bites, how to safely remove ticks and the importance of early treatment for people who become unwell, following a bite. This campaign is a perfect opportunity for your Pharmacy Health Champion to set up a display in the pharmacy. Download helpful resources for your team Remember that Community Pharmacy Devon subscribes to VirtualOutcomes which means your pharmacy team in Devon can access free online training. There is a 20 minute course on Bites and Stings that includes information on how to recognise Lyme Disease. Check it out here.
|
|
|
CPE Regional Roadshows |
|
Community Pharmacy England - regional roadshows (South West Tuesday 7th July 2026 7.30 pm - 9.30 pm Exeter; hot buffet available). For more information about the event, its purpose and how to book see the CPE blog by James Wood.
Venue is the Courtyard by Marriott, Sandy Park, Exeter.
|
|
|
ICB Funded Training Places |
|
ICB‑funded training places are now available for frontline clinical and non‑clinical staff across Devon, offering an accredited programme in health coaching and person‑centred communication. This interactive course builds practical skills to support prevention, self‑management and personalised care conversations, helping staff improve confidence, job satisfaction and outcomes for patients.
The training is open to a wide range of roles, including nurses, AHPs, social prescribers, care coordinators and VCSE partners, with courses running across June and additional dates available. Find out more here.
|
|
|
Positive News Stories |
|
|
|
If you have a positive news story to share with us please send it to admin@cpdevon.org.uk and it will be featured in an upcoming edition of the review. If featured, you will also win a surprise gift for you and your team up to the value of ÂŁ25! |
|
|
COMMUNITY PHARMACY DEVON SECRETARIAT TEAM |
|
Click the name you need to email them directly: |