Dear Colleagues,
I am very pleased to announce the publication of these revised Pharmacy Staffing Standards for Neonatal Services, produced by the Neonatal and Paediatric Pharmacist Group (NPPG) in conjunction with the Chief Paediatric Pharmacists Group (CPPG).
This resource, allows Trusts to assess the recommended pharmacist staffing requirements for Neonatal services in their Trust, in order to provide appropriate support for the safe and effective use of medicines to this complex patient group. The revised standards provide clarification on staffing requirements needed to provide a 5 or 7 day service and also pharmacy provision to centres only providing a SCBU service.
The standards also recognise the multitude of skills that pharmacists can provide to neonatal
services both locally and across a network. In addition, the standards provide an opportunity for pharmacists working in these practice areas to review their current level of competence and identify any developmental requirements.
I do hope that Trusts and external supporting organisations find these standards of use when reviewing pharmacy service requirements for neonatal services.
Nigel Gooding
Neonatal and Paediatric Pharmacist Group Chair