NHS priorities

Whether it’s to prepare for the next Pharmacy Quality Scheme deadline, or to increase your confidence in helping people with a learning disability, this section provides topic-specific pages that link to current NHS priorities. This section will support you in keeping your knowledge and skills up to date in order to provide high-quality pharmacy services and be service-ready.

Clinical pharmacy

Our clinical portfolio is expanding on a frequent basis, helping you to advance your knowledge and skills and deliver medicines optimisation in practice for all sectors of pharmacy. From two new focal points a year to our small group learning for hospital pharmacists – Optimise – this section focuses on clinical pharmacy, diseases and therapeutics.

Public health

The public health agenda is embedded in pharmacy, yet topics such as emergency contraception or stop smoking support are as prevalent as ever. As well as our public health workshops, use this section to access a wide range of resources to assure and maintain your competence, all underpinned by the Declaration of Competence system.

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e-learning

Controlled drugs: striking a balance


  • Study time: 8h:0m
  • Only available to GPhC members

This e-learning programme reviews the implications of the Fourth Report of the Shipman Inquiry, focusing specifically on the prescribing, dispensing, safe custody and disposal of controlled drugs.

Please note: this e-learning programme has been developed and provided by the Northern Ireland Centre for Pharmacy Learning and Development (NICPLD). Users should recognise that this programme will refer to Northern Ireland's policies and organisations. After ordering this programme, you will be redirected to their website where the resource is hosted. Please be aware that CPPE does not maintain control over the accuracy and currency of this programme.

Learning outcomes

On completion of all aspects of this learning programme you should be able to:

  • comply with legislation underpinning controlled drugs
  • state changes in the legislative framework for controlled drugs arising from the Fourth Shipman Report
  • review the role and responsibilities of the Accountable Officer in relation to controlled drugs
  • list the non-medical professions who may now prescribe
  • describe the best practice with respect to writing of prescriptions, keeping of records and maintaining prescription security for controlled drugs in all areas of practice
  • define procedures for the disposal of returned controlled drugs.

How to use this programme

On your computer: You can access this e-learning programme through your web browser on your computer. You will need to be connected to the internet while you work through it. You may be taken to another website to complete this programme.

On your tablet device: To access this programme on a mobile device or tablet you may need to download the free Articulate app or you can access this programme through your web browser. If you access this programme on a device with a smaller screen, functionality may be reduced.

Learning intended for

  • Pharmacists
  • Pharmacy technicians
  • Trainee pharmacists