News
Public Health: Smoking Cessation24 April 2013
The online distance learning course, Public Health: Smoking Cessation, is now available on the NICPLD website.
This course, which has been extensively updated, provides 12 hours of learning and aims to provide healthcare professionals with up-to-date facts on smoking, and its impact on public health, and to develop the skills necessary to engage individuals in a smoking cessation programme..
NICPLD March e-newsletter4 March 2013
The March e-newsletter from NICPLD is now available to download.
The leading article highlights the soon to be introduced Medicines Use Review Service and provides an overview of the training that will support the introduction of this service. If you have any problems downloading or navigating through it please report these to us.
COMPASS therapeutic notes1 March 2013
The latest edition of COMPASS therapeutic notes, entitled Management of Parkinson's Disease, is now available on the NICPLD website.
Once you have completed your study of COMPASS, MCQs for this edition are available in the course listing. Don't forget, to access the MCQs you must login using your username and password.
Return to practice19 December 2012
The next Return to Practice course will take place on 8th and 9th May 2013.
The programme is primarily aimed at community pharmacists who have taken a career break and now intent to take up practice again. It is also suitable for those who wish to move to community pharmacy from another area of practice. The course comprises a two-day workshop, involving a practical component run in the pharmacy within the School of Pharmacy at Queen’s University, followed up by a period of work-shadowing (optional) to help in confidence-building for the returnee.
Full details of this programme will be given in the NICPLD January 2013 Newsletter.
COMPASS therapeutic notes15 November 2012
The latest edition of COMPASS therapeutic notes, entitled Management of Bacterial Urinary Tract Infections in Primary Care, is now available on the NICPLD website.
Once you have completed your study of COMPASS, MCQs for this edition are available in the course listing. Don't forget, to access the MCQs you must login using your username and password.
NICPLD News25 October 2012
The latest e-newsletter from NICPLD is now available to download.
It can be accessed using this link http://www.nicpld.org/news/newsPDFs/Oct12.pdf
On the first page of this e-newsletter you can click on the article headings found on the 'inside' column to take you directly to the article you are interested in. You can also navigate from page-to-page using the arrows at the top right of each page. Hyperlinks have been included throughout to take you to relevant websites.
If you have any problems downloading of navigating through it please do not hesitate to report these to us.
6th All Ireland Pharmacy Conference16 October 2012
The 6th All Ireland Pharmacy Conference will take place on 12/13th November 2012 in the Ballymascanlon House Hotel, Dundalk.The conference is an opportunity to network and showcase some of the research and development sin pharmacy taking place across Ireland.
The main themes of this conference are medicines management, medicines safety, care of older patients and workforce development/CPD. The theme of the keynote address is 'Optimising care in an age of austerity.'
Application forms can be download by clicking here.
September - December 2012 Live and Distance Learning Programme10 July 2012
The new Live and Distance Learning programme for September - December 2012 has been sent to all pharmacists and pharmacy technicians.
Online enrolment for workshops included in the new programme is now available.
July Newsletter6 July 2012
The July e-newsletter is now available to download via the News link.
On the first page of this e-newsletter you can click on the article headings found on the 'inside' column to take you directly to the article you are interested in. You can also navigate from page-to-page using the arrows at the top right of each page. Hyperlinks have been included throughout to take you to relevant websites.
Of special interest in this newsletter is an article on accredited training and how you can add you list to the those accredited to provide specific pharmacy services. In addition, there is information for pharmacists considering training as an independent prescribers and for technicians who are completing the ACPT programme.
If you have any problems downloading or navigating through it please do not hesitate to contact us.
6th All Ireland Pharmacy Conference - call for abstracts29 May 2012
The Ballymascanlon House Hotel, Dundalk is the venue for the 6th All Ireland Pharmacy Conference which take place from 12th and 13th November 2012.
The closing date for receipt of abstracts is Friday 3 August 2012 and authors will be notified regarding acceptance by Monday 3 September 2012.
Abstract submission guidelines can be downloaded by clicking here
May newsletter28 May 2012
The May 2012 e-newsletter is now available to download via the News link.
On the first page of this e-newsletter you can click on the article headings found on the 'inside' column to take you directly to the article you are interested in. You can also navigate from page-to-page using the arrows at the top right of each page. Hyperlinks have been included throughout to take you to relevant websites.
Of special interest in this newsletter are instructions on how to access you portfolio of learning undertaken in 2012, new distance learning courses and CPD opportunities for community pharmacists.
If you have any problems downloading or navigating through it please do not hesitate to contact us.
Cookies statement26 May 2012
Legislation concerning the use of cookies requires websites to inform clients how their website uses cookies for storage of client data.
NICPLD does not use cookies to store personal information about people visiting our website and typically a cookie cannot by itself identify you.
NICPLD does not use cookies for any purposes other than access control, system security, personal data security, effective monitoring and internal business reporting. The cookies stored are session cookies and are removed once you have closed down all your browser windows.
As the NICPLD website requires users to login to gain additional functionality and gain access to user customised facilities, cookies are essential to the website functioning correctly for access control and security. If you do not choose to accept cookies you will be unable to access certain parts of the NICPLD website, e.g. applying for courses, submitting MCQs.
Read our full cookie statement
COMPASS therapeutic notes10 May 2012
The latest edition of COMPASS therapeutic notes, entitled Management of Acne in Primary Care, is now available on the NICPLD website.
Once you have completed your study of COMPASS, MCQs for this edition are available in the course listing. Don't forget, to access the MCQs you must login using your username and password.
March 2012 newsletter27 March 2012
The March 2012 e-newsletter is now available to download via the News link.
On the first page of this e-newsletter you can click on the article headings found on the 'inside' column to take you directly to the article you are interested in. You can also navigate from page-to-page using the arrows at the top right of each page. Hyperlinks have been included throughout to take you to relevant websites.
Of special interest in this newsletter is the forthcoming Return To Practice course, an announcement about the 6th All Ireland Pharmacy Conference, information on CPD grants, publication of new eLearning courses and changes to accredited courses for pharmacy technicians.
If you have any problems downloading or navigating through it please do not hesitate to report these to us.
April-June 2012 Live and Distance Learning Programme24 February 2012
The new Live and Distance Learning programme for April-June 2012 has been sent to all pharmacists and pharmacy technicians.
Online enrolment for workshops included in the new programme is now available.
COMPASS therapeutic notes8 February 2012
The latest edition of COMPASS therapeutic notes, entitled Management of Chronic Constipation in Primary Care, is now available on the NICPLD website.
Once you have completed your study of COMPASS, MCQs for this edition are available in the course listing. Don't forget, to access the MCQs you must login using your username and password.
Jan - Mar 2012 course brochure2 December 2011
The new course brochure for January - March 2012 has been sent to all pharmacists and pharmacy technicians.
Online enrolment for courses in the new programme is now available.
COMPASS therapeutic notes24 November 2011
The latest edition of COMPASS therapeutic notes, entitled Management of Generalised Anxiety Disorder and Panic Disorder in Adults in Primary Care, is now available on the NICPLD website.
Once you have completed your study of COMPASS, MCQs for this edition are available in the course listing. Don't forget, to access the MCQs you must login using your username and password.
September newsletter23 September 2011
The September 2011 e-newsletter is now available to download via the News link.
On the first page of this e-newsletter you can click on the article headings found on the 'inside' column to take you directly to the article you are interested in. You can also navigate from page-to-page using the arrows at the top right of each page. Hyperlinks have been included throughout to take you to relevant websites.
If you have any problems downloading of navigating through it please do not hesitate to report these to us.
NICPLD relocation13 September 2011
From Wednesday 14th September 2011 NICPLD will be located at Riddel Hall on the Stranmillis Road, Belfast. Our new contact details are:
NICPLD, Queen’s University Belfast, Riddel Hall, 185 Stranmillis Road, Belfast BT9 5EE. Northern Ireland. Tel: 028 9097 4477 | Fax: 028 9097 4488 | Email: nicpld@qub.ac.uk | www.nicpld.org
Our Freepost address (FREEPOST NICPLD) remains unchanged.
Download the relocation information
New course brochure available1 August 2011
The new course brochure for September - December 2011 will arrive with all pharmacists and pharmacy technicians later this week. At the same time, our website has been updated to show the new courses.
From this term all live and distance learning course applications will be by online-only. You should also note that to login to the NICPLD website you must now use your email address as your username.
If you do not receive a brochure, please contact the NICPLD office (028 90972005).
COMPASS therapeutic notes14 July 2011
The latest edition of COMPASS therapeutic notes, entitled Pharmacological Management of Heart Failure in Primary Care, is now available on the NICPLD website.
Once you have completed your study of COMPASS, MCQs for this edition are available in the course listing. Don't forget, to access the MCQs you must login using your username and password.
Pharmaceutical care of the eye17 June 2011
The print-based distance learning course, Pharmaceutical care of the eye, is now available to order.
This course, which has been extensively updated, provides 10 hours of learning and aims to provide pharmacists with an overview of the most common conditions that affect the human eye and to understand the principles behind the drug management of these conditions.
Care homes course online24 May 2011
The distance learning course, Pharmacy Services to Care Homes, is now available online.
This course, which has been extensively updated, provides 12 hours of learning and contains a number of podcasts on the needs of various types of patient. Also available are downloadable PowerPoint presentations, with notes, that pharmacists can use as a resource for training care homes staff in the use of medicines.
COMPASS therapeutic notes12 May 2011
The latest edition of COMPASS therapeutic notes, entitled Appropriate Use of Antibacterial Drugs in Primary Care, is now available on the NICPLD website.
Once you have completed your study of COMPASS, MCQs for this edition are available in the course listing. Don't forget, to access the MCQs you must login using your username and password.
Advanced Pharmacy Practice - Developing Health Service Pharmacists10 May 2011
Catherine Duggan from the Royal Pharmaceutical Society will provide an update on the rationale and plans for the educational development of Advanced Pharmacist Practitioners across the UK. The workshop will be held on 8th June at the Park Plaza Hotel, Antrim, and is aimed at pharmacists working in the Health Service.
You can apply for this workshop under the Workshops link on the NICPLD website.
Funding for pharmacist prescribing2 February 2011
New Funding for Pharmacist Prescribing. For more information on how to apply for funding for pharmacist prescribing in primary care please see attachments:
Application form for NEW applicants (2011-12)
Application form for PREVIOUSLY FUNDED prescribers (2011-12)
Guidance Notes for Boards, Trusts, Pharmacist Prescribers, GP Practices and Pharmacy Contractors
Professional standards and guidance for pharmacist prescribers (PSNI)
RPSGB Clinical Governance Framework
Application Form Model Answer – New applicants
Guidance for Non-Medical Prescribing Within GP Practices
Pharmaceutical Clinical Effectiveness (PCE) guidance
Quality, Innovation, Productivity and Prevention (QIPP) report
The closing date for 2011-12 applications is Friday 18th February 2011. Late applications will not be accepted.
Building the Community-Pharmacy Partnership1 February 2011
A free workshop to support pharmacists in designing and delivering health information sessions to community groups will be held on Thursday 3rd March 2011 from 9:30am - 4:30pm in NICVA, Duncairn Gardens, Belfast.
For further information or to book a place at the workshop please contact Louise McAtamney on 02830264606 or email louisemcatamney@cdhn.org
Regional programme online10 January 2011
The regional course on Anticoagulant Therapy, which ran between September and December 2010, is now available online.
To access the course you must login to the NICPLD website and go to the Online Lectures link. The course follows the same structure as our online courses and is accompanied by a series of MCQs that you must successfully complete to be credited with 4 hours of learning. You may also download the handouts and other useful resources.
The lectures are viewed using Flash, which is installed on most computers and is also freely available from www.adobe.com
New online course on Improving Medicines Safety14 December 2010
A new online course on Improving Medicines Safety is now available, which replaces the older course, entitled Medicines Governance. The new course makes more use of video and includes lectures on high-risk medicines, such as insulin and warfarin.
The original Medicines Governance course will remain online until the end of 2010 after which it will be removed from the NICPLD website.
January - March 2011 course brochure1 December 2010
The new course brochure for January - March 2011 should arrive with all pharmacists and pharmacy technicians early next week. At the same time, the website will be updated to show the new courses, which will enable pharmacist to apply online. If you do not receive a brochure, please contact the NICPLD office (028 90972005). If you have changed address, please go to the My Account section and update your address (or other details).
As NICPLD will be the venue for more workshops we have included a downloadable map in the About Us section which gives information on car parks, train and bus travel.
COMPASS therapeutic notes25 October 2010
The latest edition of COMPASS therapeutic notes, entitled oral contraceptives, is now available on the NICPLD website.
Once you have completed your study of COMPASS, MCQs for this edition are available in the course listing. Don't forget, to access the MCQs you must login using your username and password.
5th All Ireland Pharmacy Conference - call for abstracts21 September 2010
The 5th All Ireland Pharmacy Conference will take place on Tuesday 8th February 2011 in the Ballymascanlon Hotel, Dundalk. Full details are given in NICPLD's September 2010 newsletter.
Abstracts must be no longer than one A4 page and should be submitted as a Word document using the guidelines that can be downloaded from the NICPLD and ICCPE websites.
Abstracts from Northern Ireland should be emailed to nicpld@qub.ac.uk by 29 October 2010 and authors will be notified regarding abstract acceptance by 30th November 2010.
Download the abstract submission guidelines.
September e-newsletter17 September 2010
The NICPLD September e-newsletter is now available to download. On page one of the e-newsletter you can use the hyperlinks to navigate to articles on other pages. You may also navigate from page-to-page using the arrows at the top right of each page. Clicking on links to a website will take you directly to that website.
This newsletter features information about the forthcoming All-Ireland Pharmacy Conference. A template for abstract submissions that can downloaded from the NICPLD website will be available soon.
Download the September 2010 newsletter.
Compass therapeutic notes20 August 2010
The latest edition of COMPASS therapeutic notes, describing new drugs in type 2 diabetes and the management infantile colic, are now available on the NICPLD website.
Once you have completed your study of COMPASS, MCQs for this edition are available in the course listing. Don't forget, to access the MCQs you must login using your username and password.
Independent Prescribing Course17 August 2010
The next independent and supplementary prescribing course for pharmacists will start in April 2011. While this may seem a long time away, there are some arrangements that you will need to make prior to starting the course; for example, getting the support of your employer, obtaining a designated medical practitioner to provide in-practice experience and deciding which therapeutic area(s) you wish to prescribe in.
This all takes time and will require discussion with a local GP practice or hospital consultant. The deadline for applications is 6th December 2010.
Further information and application forms can be downloaded from the non medical prescribing section of the NICPLD website.
New brochure4 August 2010
The new course brochure for the September - December 2010 term has now been sent to all pharmacists and pharmacy technicians. At the same time, the website will be updated to show the new courses, which will enable pharmacist to apply online. If you do not receive a brochure, please contact the NICPLD office (028 90972005). If you have changed address, please go to the My Account section and update your address (or other details).
As NICPLD will be the venue for more workshops we have included a downloadable map in the About Us section which gives information on car parks, train and bus travel.
May 2010 Newsletter9 June 2010
The NICPLD e-newsletter is available to download and we hope you enjoy the new look and the convenience of this format. On page one of the e-newsletter you can use the hyperlinks to navigate to articles on other pages. You may also navigate from page-to-page using the arrows at the top right of each page. Clicking on links to a website will take you directly to that website.
If you have any problems downloading of navigating through it please do not hesitate to report these to us.
Download the May 2010 newsletter.
CPD grants31 May 2010
NICPLD also facilitates CPD by contributing up to 50% of fees to enable pharmacists to participate in courses, workshops or conferences related to their professional practice.
Specific funding is also available to enable community pharmacists in Northern Ireland to study for a postgraduate degree in Community Pharmacy at The School of Pharmacy, Queen’s University. Full details of this course can be found at http://www.qub.ac.uk/schools/SchoolofPharmacy/dl/community.htm.
The CPD Grants sub-committee will next meet on 16th June 2010 and therefore applications should be send to NICPLD at least one week before this date.
Managing medicines at and after discharge from hospital28 May 2010
On 30th June 2010 a one-day conference will focus on the Care Quality Commission report 'Managing patients' medicines after discharge from hospital'. The management of medicines when a patient is discharged from hospital is fundamental to providing safe, high quality care.
The conference will be held in 76 Portland Place, London and further information can be obtained from Keren Roberts (020 8541 1399) or from the Healthcare Events website.
COMPASS therapeutic notes11 May 2010
The next edition of COMPASS, which describes the management of management of atopic eczema in primary care, is now available to download as a PDF document.
View the COMPASS course listings.
COMPASS therapeutic notes2 February 2010
The latest edition of COMPASS therapeutic notes, which describes the management of atrial fibrillation in primary care, is now available on the NICPLD website.
Once you have completed your study of COMPASS, MCQs for this edition are available on the course listing.
Patient medication review and records1 February 2010
A new online course entitled 'Patient Medication Review and Records is now available at the NICPLD website.
The course uses our new online format and can be viewed with any of the commonly used web-browsers.
As with any distance learning course, there are associated MCQs, which you must successful complete to be accredited with 12 hours of learning.
New brochure4 December 2009
The new course brochure for the January - March 2010 term will arrive with pharmacists by Monday 7th December 2009. At the same time, the website will be updated to show the new courses, which will enable pharmacist to apply online.
If you do not receive a brochure, please contact the NICPLD office (028 90972005).
If you have changed address, please click on the 'my account' link on this website that will enable you to update your address (or other details) under the 'my details' heading.
Independent Prescribing Course22 October 2009
The next independent and supplementary prescribing course for pharmacists will start in April 2010. While this may seem a long time away, there are some arrangements that you will need to make prior to starting the course; for example, getting the support of your employer, obtaining a designated medical practitioner to provide in-practice experience and deciding which therapeutic area(s) you wish to prescribe in.
This all takes time and will require discussion with a local GP practice or hospital consultant. The deadline for applications is 20 November 2009.
Further information and application forms can be downloaded from the non medical prescribing section of the NICPLD website.
COMPASS therapeutic notes25 September 2009
The next edition of COMPASS, which describes the management of chronic asthma in adults and older children, is now available on the NICPLD website.
A copy of COMPASS therapeutic notes and the NICPLD newsletter should arrive with pharmacists by 26th September 2009.
CPD grants22 September 2009
CPD grants applications will be assessed by the PPET committee at its next meet on Wednesday 7th October 2009. Anyone considering applying for a CPD grant should have their completed application with NICPLD by Friday 2nd October 2009.
CPD grants cover up to 50% of the cost of course fees. Subsistence, including travel costs are not covered by the scheme.CPD grants are allocated on a first come first served basis.New course brochure31 July 2009
The new course brochure for the September - December 2009 term will arrive with pharmacists by Friday 7th August 2009. At the same time, the website will be updated to show the new courses, which will enable pharmacist to apply online.
If you do not receive a brochure, please contact the NICPLD office (028 90972005).
If you have changed address, please click on the 'my account' link on this website that will enable you to update your address (or other details) under the 'my details' heading.
Pandemic flu29 July 2009
NICPLD has not included specific training for pandemic flu in this term's programme as extensive information already exists from other organisations. For example, information is available from numerous websites, include those of the BMJ (http://pandemicflu.bmj.com) and of the DHSSPSNI (http://www.nidirect.gov.uk).
COMPASS24 July 2009
The NICPLD August newsletter is accompanied by the most recent edition of COMPASS, which discusses the pharmacological management of obesity. You may compete your COMPASS MCQs online and, if you score 70% or more correct, 2 hours of learning will be added to your portfolio.
MCQs for all current COMPASS therapeutic notes may be accessed via the NICPLD website. You may also download a PDF of previous editions of COMPASS.
The Responsible Pharmacist24 June 2009
The responsible pharmacist regulations will come into effect on 1 October 2009. To support pharmacists preparing for this change NICPLD has developed an online course. This course is part of our distance learning provision and can be accessed by clicking the Pharmacist > Courses link and then the Online Courses link on the right hand navigation bar. This course has MCQs associated with it and provides 3 hours of learning.
Further training on the responsible pharmacist regulations will be provided in the NICPLD regional programme. This one-evening workshop will take place in all nine regional venues throughout September 2009. Please note that this course will start at 7.30pm.
Building the community pharmacy partnership5 February 2009
Building the Community Pharmacy Partnership (BCPP) is about local communities and pharmacists working together to meet local needs. Recently, Community Development and Health Network has recently announced a new round of funding for BCPP. You can find out more about the various levels of funding and deadlines for applications at www.cdhn.org/bcpp.
NICPLD has developed a distance learning course, Working With Communities, to support pharmacists who wish to participate in BCPP. You can order a copy of this course on the distance learning page of this website.
C+D Update modules5 January 2009
Pharmacists who sign up to the Chemist and Druggist Update series in 2009 can have their registration fee reimbursed by NICPLD. You must pay the fee to the Chemist and Druggist when you register for Update and this will be reimbursed directly to you by NICPLD when you complete at least one of the Update modules.
When you complete the MCQs associated with an Update module you will receive 1 hour of learning towards you CPD.
COMPASS Therapeutic Notes11 August 2008
You can now complete MCQ for COMPASS Therapeutic notes on the NICPLD website.
When you are ready to complete your MCQs, login to the NICPLD website and go to the listing for the edition of COMPASS you have just read. Click on the Enter Answers link, which will take you to the answer template. Entering your answers is the same for any distance learning or live workshop. If you score more than 70% of the questions correct 2 hours of learning will be added to your account.
The latest version of COMPASS Therapeutic notes can also be downloaded, as a PDF, from the website. We will continue to send out COMPASS Therapeutic notes with the NICPLD newsletter, the next being available at the end of September 2008.
Controlled Drugs in Clinical Practice and Medicines Governance11 August 2008
Courses on Controlled Drugs in Clinical Practice and Medicines Governance were sent all pharmacists in July by DHSSPS. MCQs for these courses can be completed on the NICPLD website by going to the distance learning courses link and clicking on the listing for each course.
These courses, part of Northern Ireland’s response to the Shipman Inquiry, were also sent to all nurses and GPs. Junior doctors now have to complete the online version of the Medicines Governance course as part of their postgraduate training.
