The Pharmaceutical Journal Vol 267 No 7161 p217-221
18 August 2001

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A quarter of PCTs have pharmacists on board

Pharmacists have won places on nearly a quarter of the primary care trust executive committees that have been confirmed by Secretary of State for Health, Alan Milburn.

A survey by the Pharmaceutical Services Negotiating Committee found that 23 per cent of established PCTs included pharmacists — mainly community pharmacists — on their committees. With additional co-options and finalisation of places remaining to be completed, the PSNC expects that up to 28 per cent of PCTs will have pharmacists on their executive committees. The PSNC also says that there is good representation of community pharmacists at PCT and primary care group sub-group level, especially on prescribing groups.

The survey, carried out through local pharmaceutical committees, found that projects being funded by primary care organisations were mainly based around local and national health targets. Several LPCs reported increased contact and collaboration with PCTs due to the impact of the pharmacy plan and the clinical governance responsibilities of PCTs. PCTs are to become the lead NHS organisations in addressing needs, planning and securing all services and improving health, and are to receive direct resource allocations to secure the provision of the full range of services required locally [see article here]. The PSNC says: “Having a community pharmacist on the executive will be crucial for planning and implementing these services.”

LPCs and community pharmacy contractors who need advice or support concerning PCT applications, and on securing representation on PCT executive committees or on PCT funded services can contact Barbara Parsons at the PSNC, 59 Buckingham Street, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire HP20 2PJ (tel 01296 432823, e-mail barbara.parsons@PSNC.org.uk.

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