The Future For The NPA, UK

Main Category: Pharmacy / Pharmacist
Article Date: 02 Sep 2008 - 2:00 PDT

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The NPA has set out its plans for the future direction of the NPA. There are strategies for each of the NPA's core functions - representation, support and protection.

NPA Chief Executive John Turk said: "Our members are currently operating in an environment where they are squeezed financially, yet are asked to invest in new services. The NPA will address this by creating opportunities for profitable new revenue streams and to decrease their cost base.

Support will be provided through the development of innovative services, such as the recent allergy and chlamydia screening services. These will include the launch of an online financial modelling application, and work to develop patient group directions to generate private income for pharmacies.

Core representational issues to be tackled are Electronic Transfer of Prescriptions (ETP), the White Paper in England, primary care estate, generic tendering in Northern Ireland and the 'responsible pharmacist' and supervision.

The NPA will also expand its insurance offering with employee benefit schemes and adding travel insurance to its range of general insurance products.

The NPA aims to serve the full range of its members, whether they be multiple or independent, or based in any country in the UK. John Turk commented: "NPA members have more in common than they have differences. By concentrating on issues that bring us together we believe we will gain strength and success will result."

The Association will also be working closely with other industry bodies. NPA Chairman Paul Bennett said: "Pharmacy benefits from multiples and their representative bodies and independents and their representative bodies all working together. A shared understanding and agreement of the future of pharmacy has led to a common sense of purpose in the pharmacy bodies."

National Pharmacy Association