Withdraw from the Oriel scheme if you do not have access to a DPP

Formerly known as pharmacist pre-registration

It is mandated by NHS England that all recruitment into the foundation programme 2025/2026 (formerly known as pharmacist pre-registration) will be through the Oriel programme.

As all newly qualified pharmacists in 2026 will also be independent pharmacist prescribers, the employer also needs to make provision for the student to have access to 90 hours of a designated prescribing practitioner (DPP).

The expressions of interest opened in January 2024 to the 1^st March 2024.

At the time, NHSE encouraged NPA members to express an interest even if they did not have full details of locations, clinical supervisors and designated prescriber practitioners.

However, under scrutiny by the NPA it has become increasingly apparent that access to a DPP in community pharmacy is becoming very difficult, and unless you already have someone in place, the likelihood of having access to a DPP in time for the start of the foundation year 2025/2026 are slim.

This could lead to unintended adverse consequences to the prospective pharmacist student, who would need to find another placement at very short notice, plus a risk to your reputation as a prospective training site for students.

If you feel that you will not be able to source a DPP, you may wish to re-consider your expression of interest and consider withdrawing from the ORIEL scheme altogether.  You have until the end of May, before your details are exposed to the prospective students and therefore, exposure to risk to you and your business.

To withdraw please either e-mail traineepharmacist@hee.nhs.uk or contact your relevant regional leads at the bottom of this page.

NPA Update 10 May 2024

The NPA advice regarding DPP and foundation year 2025/2026, created some concerned reaction from all key stakeholders.

This week we have met multiple key stakeholders to discuss the issues that would need to be addressed if we were to achieve a positive solution for all our members. These included but not limited to locating the DPPs in our respective areas, supporting current independent subscribers (IPs) to become DPPs and ultimately, for those prescribers within GP surgeries and other settings recognising the benefit of supporting those pharmacists working within the community pharmacy sector.

Helga Mangion – NPA Policy Manager, has also had face to face conversations with key stakeholders to influence tangible actions.

The NPA will not rest until this issue is addressed and resolved, and we will continue to press on NHSE for this.

If you wish to share your experience or chat informally to us about your specific situation, please contact Helga Mangion- NPA Policy Manager at independentsvoice@npa.co.uk

Regional Contacts – NHS England WT&E

For advice and information about planning foundation trainee pharmacists places