From Ms B. Parkin
SIR,—Dr Branford is right to highlight the importance of national service frameworks in setting the standards and service models of care (PJ, December 18/25, 1999, p980). The Society invests considerable effort in building influence with the relevant organisations and working groups that are shaping the new National Health Service in England, Scotland and Wales. As far as the new NSFs and other service models for future care delivery are concerned, we take every opportunity to underline the current and potential pharmaceutical contribution to services and to encourage the external reference groups and their working parties to involve pharmaceutical expertise. Our Scottish and Welsh Departments are taking active roles in this work to address the particular needs and access the relevant targets in Scotland and Wales.
Over the past year, the Society has been particularly active in promoting the potential role of pharmacists in helping support people with mental health problems in the community. In advance of the development work on the NSF, Mr Stephen Bazire, now chairman of the UK Psychiatric Pharmacy Group, accompanied Mr Hemant Patel, then President of the Society, to a meeting with the minister responsible for mental health to outline the contribution that pharmacists could make in this area. This potential was also highlighted in a letter to the Secretary of State and in discussion with patient groups. Dr Branford is mistaken to suggest that the Society's mental health task force is not focusing on the new NSF: its report, due in mid 2000, will of course address the context of the NSF. In addition, the Society will shortly publish its response to the NSF, which will be used in wide discussion around this issue with a range of stakeholders: the Society is in contact with those involved in planning the implementation of the NSF to offer input.
It is evident to all within pharmacy why pharmaceutical input is needed in NHS policy planning and implementation - and this is being endorsed by an increasing number of parties outside pharmacy. We shall continue to work to build on this influence so as to promote the pharmacy service of the future across the range of opinion formers and NHS working groups.
Beverley Parkin
Director of Public Affairs, Royal Pharmaceutical Society