The Pharmaceutical Services Negotiating Committee has accepted a 3 per cent
increase in the global sum for 2000-01. As a result, the global sum will increase
to £777.75m. The committee had felt that it was important to conclude
this year’s negotiations as quickly as possible so as to allow discussions
on the pharmacy plan to begin.
In a statement issued on September 22, the PSNC said that negotiations with
the National Health Service Executive had led to a significant increase being
made on the Department of Health’s initial offer. The PSNC felt that it
had achieved the maximum amount possible for contractors.
In a letter sent to the NHSE on September 22,
 |
| Mr Dove (left) speaks to Lord Hunt at the British Pharmaceutical Conference. Further discussions are expected between the PSNC and the Department on the pharmacy plan |
Mr Wally Dove (chairman, PSNC) said the PSNC had welcomed the investment of
at least £30m over the next three years outlined in the pharmacy plan
for England (PJ, September 16, p384). It hoped to see part of that money being
used to fund the PSNC’s medicines management pilot trial.
Mr Dove went on to say that the PSNC was keen to work with the Department on
turning the ideas in the pharmacy plan into reality.
The PSNC has set up a policy advisory group to study the implications of the
pharmacy plan thoroughly. The advisory group will analyse each element of the
plan, prioritise action and make recommendations to the PNSC’s negotiating
team.
The PSNC said that it was expecting to meet Lord Hunt (Parliamentary Under-secretary
of State for Health) and the NHSE to discuss details of the new local pharmaceutical
services contract, e-pharmacy, mail order dispensing, NHS Direct, medicines
management and how contractors might work with the Government to provide the
best possible pharmaceutical service.
Other matters considered at the PSNC’s September meeting are reported below.
Necessary or desirable The committee was concerned that an application for
a judicial review of the interpretation of the term “necessary or desirable”
had been made by dispensing doctors. As the definition had considerable impact
on pharmacy, the PSNC had decided to become involved in the case. An approach
had been made to the National Pharmaceutical Association with a view to joint
involvement.
PCT boards The PSNC has commissioned research on how the pharmacy plan could
support bids by local pharmaceutical committees to have pharmacists included
on the management teams of primary care trusts. Further guidance is to be sent
to LPCs in due course and the PSNC has asked LPCs to keep it informed of any
developments.