Flu Service Update - Training & Stock Procurement

Following this week’s announcement from PSNC regarding the National Advanced Influenza vaccination service to be introduced for the 2015/16 flu season, Community Pharmacies will now want to make sure that they are ready to launch their service with effect from 1 September, the content of this email should help you. 

We are still unsure how the service will affect the locally commissioned service and will provide details as they become available however in the meantime Pharmacies should now concentrate on procurement of vaccine stock and training to ensure they are ready.

Stock

It is vital that, if you haven’t done so already, you make arrangements to obtain stock. Following the announcement about the national service it is likely that demand will increase quickly and you won’t want to miss out.

Training Requirements

The recent announcement did not provide details in relation to the training requirements for the national flu service. Fortunately, LPCs in the North Region had already arranged a training provider in readiness for the roll out of a locally commissioned service. We fully expect that the training we have commissioned (Through the Queen Elizabeth NHS Hospital) will meet the requirements of any national guidelines when they are issued. 

There will be 6 training sessions provided across the North East in August, you can register with the one most convenient to you irrespective of where you work. Full details of dates, times, venues and costs can be accessed by visiting the flu pages of the Northern Pharmacy website http://www.northernpharmacy.net/ The site must also be used to register for attendance at one of the sessions. Capacity is limited to 25 at each session and we anticipate demand to be high so please book asap to avoid disappointment.

NB: Pharmacists do not have to use the LPC organised training, you are free to access a training provider of your choice, some options are attached to this email.

Included on the flu Training link on the Northern Pharmacy site are details of the training requirements that were to be implemented by NHS England North as part of the local service. LPCs have no way of knowing whether these will be replicated in the national specification however you might be able to use them as a guide to help you determine whether you need to do full face to face training or an online refresher only. Please note the section in relation to Safeguarding Children and Vulnerable Adults section.

The LPC encourages all contractors to prepare themselves in terms of training and stock and keep an eye on your email for further information.

---