Pharmacy pilot focuses on mental health

A pilot training offer for Specialist Mental Health Pharmacy has been announced today by Health Education England.

A tailored 12-month programme aimed at experienced pharmacists working in Community Mental Health Teams will be delivered this spring in partnership with NHS England, NHS Improvement and the University of Bradford.

The training will include physical and mental health knowledge, skills, and assessments, and supports the journey to advanced level practice for pharmacists. This new community-based offer includes support for medicines management and improved physical health care.

HEE’s National Programme Manager Aurora Diaz Lopez said:

“The NHS Mental Health Implementation Plan outlines an ambition to expand the mental health pharmacist workforce to improve the care provided to adults in the community with severe mental illness. To support the education and development of individuals working in these roles, Health Education England have commissioned a pilot 12-month training pathway with the University of Bradford. This pathway aims to develop the mental and physical health knowledge and skills of experienced pharmacists within community mental health and primary care teams nationally, enabling them to provide expert care to the patients who use their services.”

Applications for the first intake are now open.

For more info on the pilot visit https://www.hee.nhs.uk/our-work/pharmacy/mental-health