The National Prescribing Centre (NPC) Associate Programme was launched in 2007/08 and has continued to progress with the structured training and development of the NPCs highly skilled network of Local Therapeutic Facilitators (LTFs) and Local Medicines Management Facilitators (LMMFs). In 2009/10, the NPC continues to commission the input of facilitators to help support local health improvements across England.

The programme provides an opportunity for every PCT in England to nominate a member of their prescribing and medicines management team as their ‘NPC Associate’. NPC Associates become part of an interactive network of like-minded individuals who meet regularly, network and communicate in a virtual environment to support the spread of better practice in prescribing and medicines management. They are also eligible to take part in a comprehensive ongoing educational and support programme, which focuses on priority issues within prescribing and medicines management.