Operational update – FPM and COVID-19

With the continuing escalation of COVID-19 we are living in unprecedented times. The announcement by the Prime Minister on 16 March makes clear that many of us will have to change how we work, communicate and socialise.

We know that FPM members will be at the forefront of developing treatments to test for and combat COVID-19. It is imperative, therefore, that we provide you with clear and transparent information, as it becomes available, that may impact your interactions with FPM and your practice. You will see from our LinkedIn and Twitter accounts that we have been proactive in providing up to date information from trusted sources and we will continue to do that.

The FPM COVID-19 action plan is now in place to respond to the situation. The plan is in line with Government advice, that, where possible, people should travel less and work from home. The plan will ensure that as far as you, our members, are concerned, it is business as usual. We will continue to provide you with membership advice and support appraisals, manage the Pharmaceutical Medicine Specialty Training (PMST) programme and deliver professional development opportunities and policy work.

In summary, the FPM COVID-19 action plan is as follows:

• The FPM offices at Angel Gate will be closed until further notice from Thursday 19 March 2020
• All staff will work remotely from home until further notice
• Emails will be monitored as normal and phone enquiries will be redirected to company mobiles
• Until further notice, core FPM working hours will be from 10am to 4pm, Monday to Friday
• The forthcoming D/CHP and DET exams will be postponed
• The FPM Education Day which was planned for 3 June 2020 has been cancelled
• Other education and training events will be postponed or cancelled
• All committee meetings will take place remotely
• Appraisals will now normally be undertaken remotely. Video, Skype or similar are the preferred technologies.
• Annual Review of Competence Progression (ARCP) sessions will be conducted remotely

I hope you can see that we have been proactive in ensuring that business continues and that we provide the right level of information to members as well take care of FPM staff. We ask for your patience while we transition to these systems and ways of working.

I want to thank all our members for continuing to be part of the FPM and I wish you and your families all the best during these uncertain times.

Dr Marcia Philbin
Chief Executive