NPA Statement In Response To Government's Health Bill, UK

Main Category: Pharmacy / Pharmacist
Article Date: 26 Jan 2009 - 3:00 PDT

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Commenting on the introduction of the new Health Bill, John Turk, NPA Chief Executive said: "This marks a step towards bringing more order into the process of entry into the pharmaceutical list based on robust assessment of pharmaceutical need. We remain concerned, however, that there is still no clear timetable for removing the current destabilising exemptions to control of entry. The pharmacy network needs to be allowed to stabilise so that contractors can prepare to take up the challenges, confident that any new investment in premises and staff will not be undermined.

"In respect of the clauses on breaching terms of service, we urge that any performance regime be light touch, supportive and consistent. For as long as a pharmacy remains on the pharmaceutical list, we do not accept that the withholding of payments for core services should be among the sanctions available to PCTs in England or Local Health Boards in Wales."

National Pharmacy Association