NHS Tendering Website No Substitute For Dialogue, UK

Main Category: Pharmacy / Pharmacist
Also Included In: IT / Internet / E-mail
Article Date: 18 Sep 2008 - 4:00 PST

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The National Pharmacy Association welcomes the announcement of an imminent launch of the NHS Supply2health website which will advertise health and social care service tenders. However, the association warns that this must not be viewed as a substitute for ongoing dialogue and engagement with providers.

The Supply2health website, to be launched on 1 October, will post information about tendering opportunities and contract awards.

Stephen Fishwick, NPA Head of External Relations commented:

"This is a step in the right direction of leveling the playing field for health service providers. Too often, the NHS fails to make maximum use of the community pharmacy network because of a failure to alert pharmacy contractors to service opportunities. Yet this website is no substitute for dialogue and sustained engagement with providers. All relevant provider groups should be involved in the design of local care pathways well before the tendering stage is reached. Unfortunately, this is rarely the case currently."

"The NHS Next Stage Review recently published by Lord Darzi proposed various initiatives to nurture relationships with and between health care professionals. We therefore look forward to a serious effort by Government and the NHS to include pharmacists in the forums at regional and local level that decide on service design and investment."

National Pharmacy Association