Recognising the Power of Pharmacy: From Counter to Community Care
Pharmacy week and Pharmacy Technician Day
Every year, health systems around the world take a moment to celebrate Pharmacy teams, those professionals who often work behind the scenes but whose work is absolutely vital to patient care. This year, we’re bringing together Pharmacy Week and Pharmacy Technician Day to spotlight the full Pharmacy team - Pharmacists, Pharmacy Technicians, support staff, and the many ways they support health in our communities.
Pharmacy Teams: Roles That Matter
Pharmacists
Conduct clinical reviews, prescribing, and medication optimisation
Work with multidisciplinary teams to manage chronic disease
Lead in service design, public health initiatives, and integration with primary care
Pharmacy Technicians & Support Staff
Prepare and dispense prescriptions accurately
Verify and check medicines, manage stock, liaise with suppliers
Support patient-facing services (e.g., flu clinics, medicine counselling)
Play critical roles in safety audits, quality assurance, and workflow efficiency
Innovation, Integration & Impact
Preventive care & public health
Digital & tech-forward pharmacy
Collaborative care
Empowering technicians
Pharmacy is no longer confined to behind the counter. During this celebration, we want to highlight how modern pharmacy is evolving:
Preventive care & public health: Pharmacy teams now deliver flu and COVID vaccines, health checks, and screening services
Digital & tech-forward pharmacy: Using data, telehealth, and digital tools to support patients remotely
Collaborative care: Pharmacy teams are linking with general practices, PCNs, and community services to help patients navigate care pathways
Empowering technicians: As responsibilities expand, pharmacy technicians are taking on more clinical and decision-making roles, the future is evolving
Explore New Pharmacy Apprenticeships
Level 2 Pharmacy Support Assistant Apprenticeship
Step into pharmacy with the Level 2 Pharmacy Support Assistant Apprenticeship. In just 12 months (plus 3 months EPA), you’ll train to become a certified Dispensing Assistant, gaining skills in dispensing, pharmacy law, health & safety, teamwork, and patient-centred care. GPhC-accredited, this programme also includes a free Medicines Counter Assistant Course (worth £59 + VAT)
Level 3 Pharmacy Technician Training Programme
Advance your career with the Level 3 Pharmacy Technician Training Programme, aligned to the Pharmacy Technician (Integrated) standard. Over 24 months, learners build clinical knowledge, practical confidence, and professional skills to register with the GPhC. Employers can access levy funding (£8,000), and learners benefit from a free Accuracy Checking Pharmacy Technician (ACPT) Course (worth £270 + VAT).
Level 6 Enhanced Clinical Practitioner (ECP) for Pharmacy Technicians
The Level 6 ECP Apprenticeship is designed for registered pharmacy technicians working in clinical settings (GP practices, community pharmacy, secondary care, care homes, and more). This 15-month programme (plus 3 months EPA) helps you develop advanced skills in communication, diagnostics, critical thinking, clinical practice, research, and leadership. Fully levy-funded at £7,000.
How to Celebrate at Practice or Local Level
Feature “behind-the-scenes” profiles of pharmacy technicians and their daily contributions
Host open days or drop-in clinics at pharmacies to engage the public
Run internal recognition, award “Pharmacy Team Member of the Year,” or highlight improvements made in dispensing or patient services
Share social media content using hashtags like #PharmacyWeek, #PharmacyTechnicianDay, or #ThinkHealthThinkPharmacist
Host mini-learning sessions or workshops: safe dispensing, error reduction, clinical updates, or technician upskilling
Shaping Safer, Smarter, and More Connected Care 💙
Need Support or Guidance?
Whether you’re exploring pharmacy development opportunities, looking to grow your skills, or want to connect with others in the profession, we’re here to help.
Our Pharmacy Associate, Sarah Partridge, is available to provide advice, guidance, and support around pharmacy workforce development and training.
She can help you explore pathways, connect with learning opportunities, and get involved in local pharmacy initiatives across Nottinghamshire.
Join our new WhatsApp Community
Our Developing and Supporting Notts Primary Care WhatsApp Community is now live, and already bringing together colleagues from across the system!
It’s a dedicated space to:
✅ Stay up to date with training, events, and development opportunities
✅ Connect with peers and share best practice
✅ Access resources to help you learn, grow, and thrive in your role
We’re thrilled to see so many members already joining and contributing, it’s a fantastic way to stay connected and be part of a supportive primary care network.
Together, we’re building a stronger, more connected pharmacy workforce, one that continues to grow, innovate, and make a lasting impact on patient care
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