25 March 2020
We recognise that this is an extremely challenging and uncertain time for all involved in pre-registration training and that there will be questions and concerns about training. We are actively considering a number of matters related to pre-registration training and we are urgently working with the HSCB, the Department of Health and with our partners in GPhC on these matters. As you can appreciate, this is subject to several factors outwith our control – in particular the rapidly evolving situation with COVID19. We will communicate any decisions regarding pre-registration training as soon as possible.
In line with the recent joint regulatory statement, we are encouraging tutors to use professional judgement to assess risks in the delivery of safe care (informed by relevant guidance in the values and principles set out in the professional Standards) and similarly to make those professional judgements in relation to any aspects of preregistration training and assessment. During this difficult period, it will be essential that systems are in place so that trainee wellbeing is supported and that trainees are not operating outside their current competency.
We would assure tutors and trainees that we are working as quickly as we can to resolve these matters and urge you to look out for further updates. We would also ask that you do not email the Pharmaceutical Society NI regarding this issue as, at this stage, we have no further information to provide and responding to the volume of emails is taking time and resource. We can assure you that we are working through these issues as quickly as we can, with a view to facilitating the continuity of the preregistration programme, whilst acknowledging the exceptional and extremely difficult circumstances you are all working under.
For more regulatory statements and information in relation to Covid-19 see: www.psni.org.uk/psni/about/covid19-regulatory-statements-and-information/