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Covid-19 Updates

Our Covid-19 Response and Updates

This page contains the latest resources and updates from Buttercups Training, during the COVID-19 coronavirus situation.

We have released two short courses to help pharmacies to manage the additional difficulties expected during this time:

Pandemic Training for Additional Staff to Support Pharmacy Services

Additional Delivery Drivers to Support Pharmacy Services During the Pandemic

Additional information and updates will be posted on the right hand side of this page.

Pandemic Training for Additional Staff to Support Pharmacy Services

The coronavirus COVID-19 outbreak has added additional strain to a pharmacy workforce that is already under a great deal of pressure.  As such, Buttercups Training would like to offer this free short course, designed to enable non-pharmacy trained staff to provide temporary support to pharmacy teams.

The content of the short course includes an overview of COVID-19 and its symptoms, alongside the information required to perform basic functions as designated by the responsible pharmacist.  This includes taking in and handing out prescriptions, taking payment for prescription charges and the pharmacist referral process.  There is a strong emphasis on the learner recognising the limits of their role, seeking guidance from regular pharmacy staff whenever this is required and ensuring that the SOPs for any tasks they are required to undertake are read thoroughly. 

Download Course

This short course is not accredited by the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) but has been developed in its knowledge, where it is recognised that there may be a need for additional support during the COVID-19 period. 

To top up to the GPhC accredited Medicines Counter Assistant Course or Dispensing Assistant Course, please click here:

Top up to the Medicines Counter Assistant Course

Top up to the Dispensing Assistant Course

Top up to the Healthcare Assistant Course

Training for Additional Delivery Drivers to Support Pharmacy Services During the Pandemic

Following the demand from our previous short course, we have created a similar free course for those who may be required to help with the delivery of medicines to patients. We know the NHS volunteer army will also be supporting pharmacies to deliver medicines to those being shielded from COVID-19, but we also know our pharmacy teams will often be involved in the delivery to many more vulnerable patients during this time.

The content of the short course includes an overview of COVID-19 with its symptoms, infection control and social distancing measures, alongside the information required to deliver medicines from a pharmacy to a patient's home. This includes collecting medicines from the pharmacy, storage of medicines in transit, vehicle security, safe delivery and dealing with undelivered medicines.  There is a strong emphasis on working safely, maintaining the quality of the medicines and ensuring that the SOPs for any tasks they are required to undertake are read thoroughly.

Download Course

This short course is not accredited by the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) but has been developed in its knowledge, where it is recognised that there may be a need for additional support during the COVID-19 period.

To top up to the GPhC accredited Delivery Drivers Course, please click here:

Top up to the Delivery Drivers Course

These short courses are free to use by all pharmacy stakeholders, but are under copyright. The content of these short courses must not be altered or commercially reproduced without written approval by Buttercups Training Ltd.