Teach & Treat Project: Expanding Independent Prescribing for Community Pharmacists
The Teach & Treat project, funded by NHS England, is piloting a new approach to support community pharmacists in Suffolk & North East Essex (SNEE) and Norfolk & Waveney (NW) to train as Independent Prescribers (IPs). The initiative uses a hub-and-spoke model, with a central hub coordinating training and support, and regional Designated Prescribing Practitioner (DPP) spokes providing supervision.
Key Features:
- Training Opportunity: Up to 4 community pharmacists will be supported to train as IPs in each ICS area.
- Eligibility: Applicants must work at least three days a week in SNEE or NW, have employer support, and commit to becoming a future DPP.
- Learning Structure: The University of East Anglia (UEA) delivers the IP course, requiring attendance at ten study days (mostly online, with two face-to-face sessions) and completion of supervised practice.
- Innovation: 24 of the required 90 hours of supervision is delivered by the UEA on three additional training days (TBC), reducing the amount of time required to spend with your DPP.
- Scopes of Practice: Trainees can specialise in areas such as primary hypertension or menopause, with choices guided by DPP availability.
- Support: The project covers all training costs except backfill and travel. A community of practice and ongoing supervision are provided.
- Application Process: Expressions of interest must be submitted online by midnight, Sunday 21st December 2025. Shortlisting will prioritise pharmacists serving deprived or rural communities.
- Contacts: For further information in SNEE: ben.leung@snee.nhs.uk and in NW: helen.palmer37@nhs.net
Why Apply?
This is a unique chance for community pharmacists to gain high-quality, fully funded training and support to become Independent Prescribers, helping to shape the future of pharmacy services in the region.
How to Apply
I work in the Suffolk and North East Essex area: SNEE ICB Community Pharmacists: Expression of Interest for Teach & Treat Project – Fill out form
I work in the Norfolk and Waveney area: N&W Community Pharmacists: Expression of Interest for Teach & Treat Project – Fill in form
