Below is a snapshot of the findings of the second pre-reg COVID-19 survey. The PDA welcome all feedback and engagement from pre-reg members.
We have collated all the pre-reg responses and have taken all concerns and questions to the GPhC. We recognise that this is still a very difficult time for many pre-regs; preparing for provisional registration and employment, concerns over pay and conditions, alongside the many pre-regs who have contacted us with issues because they are not eligible for provisional registration.
In a recent pre-reg member mailing, Collette Bradford, PDA Head of Organising and Engagement, wrote:
“Our pre-reg members, alongside all pharmacists and healthcare workers, have had it really tough during this pandemic. Pre-regs have been working hard; in challenging conditions working long hours in very busy and stressful pharmacies to support patients. Over the last few months, you have also been dealing with the impact of a delayed decision by the GPhC on what happens next for you in your career pathway and indeed your lives.”
“For many members, the recent GPhC announcement brought welcome news when the GPhC published it’s policy on provisional registration; however, for some pre-reg members, who are not eligible for the provisional registration, the decision brought more angst, concerns and questions as they feel abandoned by the GPhC and their profession.”
“The volume of contact we have had from pre-regs has been astounding. I’ve read all of your emails, tweets and survey results personally and I really empathise with how this situation has impacted on you and on the decisions you’re able to make professionally and personally. Many of you feel you will experience real financial hardship too, impacting on where you can afford to live or work and for some, how you will support your family.”
The PDA believe that help and support should be available to all pre-regs who have had their career journey impacted upon by this pandemic. We have written to the GPhC, informed by member feedback, asking for clarity in relation to those who are not eligible for provisional registration. We are further developing our own FAQs and responding more personally through telephone calls to those who are facing real challenges and require advice and support.
Pre-regs should be assured that the PDA has not abandoned you and are always here for you, representing your views, supporting you and challenging on your behalf.
Please do take a look at our new website pages for pre-regs and PDA sponsored Pharmacy Support Videos and services for those of you who may need additional support at this time. You can also contact the PDA to raise any concerns using our new dedicated pre-reg email address: prereg@the-pda.org
Any future assessment needs to take into account the provisional registration experience.
Did you miss our exclusive members-only pre-reg live webinar?
In April, the PDA hosted their first pre-reg live webinar to support pre-regs to cope with the impact of the COVID-19 crisis. This comes after the GPhC decided to postpone the pre-registration assessment and move to a period of provisional registration.
If you missed the exclusive PDA members-only webinar, you can log in to watch it now.
Help us to help more people in the profession. Refer a friend to join the PDA today!
If you know any pre-regs or pharmacy students that are not yet members of the PDA, please encourage them to join the PDA for FREE today so that we can also support them in their career journey. Membership is FREE for students and pre-regs.