COVID-19 Q&A: for trainee pharmacists and designated supervisors

We have compiled answers to the questions we are being asked in relation to the coronavirus pandemic. 

 
Last reviewed 28 January 2022.


My current training arrangements

What if I have more than 40 days of absence from my training placement?

If you are absent for more than 40 days during your pre-registration or foundation training year, this may mean that you need to complete additional training to be signed off as competent.

It is ultimately up to your tutor/ designated supervisor, as part of their final assessment of your progress, to decide if you need to complete additional training at the end of 52 weeks. To make this decision, they will need to consider all factors that arise over the 52 weeks, and any impact that contributes to a delay in your training progression.

They will also record your absence as part of the final progress report and declaration.

If I have to self-isolate, will it count as part of my absence?

The impact of self-isolation on your training will be specific to you and your situation. It is likely to depend on which remote training activities you can carry out while you are self-isolating, for example. You should discuss this and your current developmental needs with your tutor/ designated supervisor to plan the time accordingly.

You should review your training plan to focus on activities that can be managed remotely and adjust the overall plan to make sure everything is covered by the end of the 52 weeks.

You will still need to keep a record of this absence so your tutor/ designated supervisor can report it to us as part of the final progress report at the end of the year.

If you need to take temporary leave, either to self-isolate or because of illness, you should speak to your employer or your tutor/ designated supervisor, and arrange your absence in the normal way. You do not need to let us know.

If you need to be absent for a longer period of time, your tutor/ designated supervisor should assess where you should pick up your training.