Please read our comprehensive FAQs below before submitting an enquiry
Answers to most common questions for each stage of the Programme application process can be found here, and it is usually the quickest and easiest way to resolve most enquiries.
Please ensure you check this page before submitting a contact enquiry. Thank you.
About PWDS
Pharmacy Workforce Development South (PWDS) is a leading NHS Pharmacy Education & Training Provider and regional workforce development team. PWDS work on behalf of South West NHS Hospital Trusts and in partnership with NHS England South West Pharmacy to meet the training and development needs of the pharmacy workforce across the United Kingdom.
PWDS are responsible for development and delivery of high quality training and education for pharmacists, trainee pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, preregistration trainee pharmacy technicians and pharmacy support staff.
PWDS team members also work with a range of partners including NHS England, Primary Care Training Hubs and Higher Education Institutions on various projects.
PWDS is based in the University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust in the Bristol Royal Infirmary. The PWDS team are geographically diverse and work across the South West area.
Please see the ‘Team’ page for specific contact details for all members of the PWDS team.
For general enquiries you can email pwds@uhbw.nhs.uk or leave a voice message on 0117 3426677.
We ask that you check the website for the answer to your question prior to emailing us as this is the easiest way to gain a prompt answer to your query.
PWDS are committed to understanding the impact our organisation’s activities and decision making has on all social, economic and environmental elements of society.
We aim to minimise waste by evaluating operations and ensuring we are working as efficiently and sustainably as possible.
PWDS are compliant with the UHBW Sustainable Development Strategy.
As an education and training provider, PWDS does not provide a recruitment service however we do provide vacancy promotion via our ‘Jobs‘ page.
PWDS provides training across organisations and sectors which brings networking opportunities which may also help you identify job vacancies and inspire you to try new ventures.
Programmes
Full information regarding all of our programmes are available on the ‘Programmes‘ page.
You can filter the full list of programmes by the relevant role.
Each programme has its own set of FAQs, so you may find answers to your programme specific questions there.
Programme resources and portfolio templates can be found in the ‘Resources’ section of the relevant programme page.
Please note: You will need to be registered on the programme and logged in to your PWDS profile to view most programme resources. Please contact the relevant training programme director if you experience any difficulties in accessing programme resources or portfolio templates.
A request can be made for an extension to a programmes training period, however this must be made by the learners educational supervisor and must meet eligibility for an extension. You can find further details about how to apply for an extension in the Requesting an Extension to the Training Period of a PWDS programme policy.
Bookings and Cancellations
Technical Help
Use the ‘Forgot Password’ link on the login page to add your email details and receive a link to reset your password. Please ensure that the email address in your profile is correct and kept up to date.
Currently the only way you can change your password is via the reset password link on the login page. However we are working on functionality to do this via your profile page.
Still Have Questions?
PWDS work on behalf of and in partnership with a number of Provider Trusts from across the South West. PWDS services are agreed and funded via an annual Service Level Agreement (SLA) with these partners. ‘PWDS affiliated’ refers to organisations that are included within this SLA, and applicants from these organisations will benefit from the discounted programme and event fees.
PWDS affiliated organisations
Dorset County Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Great Western Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
North Bristol NHS Trust
Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust
Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust
Royal United Hospitals Bath NHS Foundation Trust
Salisbury NHS Foundation Trust
Somerset NHS Foundation Trust
Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust
University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust
University Hospitals Plymouth Hospitals NHS Trust
Each programme has specific entry requirements; these are detailed on the individual programme pages under the ‘Entry Criteria’ section.
Each programme includes an application process. Each application is screened by PWDS to ensure that all entry criteria are met prior to the applicant being acceptance onto the programme. Please ensure that you meet the relevant criteria prior to making an application.
If you are unsure if you meet the entry criteria please contact the relevant training programme director directly for guidance.
This can vary depending on the programme and entry requirements but we aim to get you registered onto a programme within 14 working days of application. If this is not possible we will endeavour to contact you to let you know there will be a delay.
Trainees may book onto programmes by selecting the relevant programme page and then either clicking the ‘enrol now’ button or by scrolling down the page to the ‘Enrolment’ section. Some programmes have multiple application steps that trainees will need to apply for, in order, depending on what stage of the programme they are undertaking.
Please note: Some programmes may have funded places available for eligible trainees, which will be detailed in the ‘Costs’ section of the programme page. If you are applying for a non-funded place, we do require a Purchase Order (PO) number to be entered onto your application form at the point of application.
To acquire a PO number you will first need to raise a PO with your finance department. You may need to do this via your line manager. You will need your PO number available in order to fill out your application if this is not entered your application my be delayed.
Please also remember to e-mail us a copy of the official Purchase Order (PO) DOCUMENT once you have submitted your application. Please check current programme fees prior to applying for a purchase order.
If you need to cancel your place, please login into your profile via the ‘Login’ button at the top of the webpage and select ‘View My Bookings’.
Find the relevant booking and click the ‘Cancel Booking’ button.
Cancelling your place helps us to plan for the event and offers the opportunity for trainees on the waiting list to attend.
Please note: Last-minute cancellations or trainees who do not cancel their place may be subject to a cancellation charge.
Please contact your training programme director directly if you have any difficulties cancelling your place.
Please contact the course lead or training programme director via email or phone, or call the PWDS telephone number and leave a message 0117 342 6677.
Please also inform your employer/line manager as part of your normal employee sickness/absence reporting processes.
You will need to ask you finance department to provide the purchase order with the following details.
1. Invoice address:
University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust, Finance Department Trust Headquarters, Marlborough Street, PO Box 3214, Bristol BS1 9JR
2. Purchase order must include details as follows:
– course title and date – course participant/s full name/s – full organisation invoicing details including address – purchase order FAO: Pharmacy Workforce Development South
Any issues or questions regarding purchase orders please email PWDS@UHBW.nhs.uk
You can contact individual members of the PWDS team via the ‘Team‘ page.
Please note: The PWDS team primarily work remotely and will often be on location at venues and pharmacy sites delivering training events. Each member of the team is committed to responding to email enquiries as soon as possible; under normal circumstances you should expect a reply to any non-urgent queries within 5 to 10 working days.
Telephone
0117 342 6677
Office hours are 8.30am to 5pm Mon – Fri (except bank holidays).
pwds@uhbw.nhs.uk
You should expect a reply to any non-urgent queries within 5 – 7 working days.
Office
Location B407
Bristol Royal Infirmary
Marlborough Street
Bristol
BS2 8HW