The Pharmaceutical Journal
Vol 268 No 7186 p233-237
23 February 2002

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Minister is committed, says PSNC

The Pharmaceutical Services Negotiating Committee believes that Hazel Blears, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Health, is committed to the future of community pharmacy.

Following a meeting with Ms Blears on February 13, PSNC chairman Barry Andrews said: "We believe she is committed to community pharmacy's future. The PSNC aims to move forward in partnership with the Department of Health towards the development of a new national contract, and new remuneration structures, and Hazel Blears gave her support to our proposals.

"She has heard how much more we can do, and how important the present services are to patients. The Minister also understands the many causes of uncertainty for contractors, and why they currently lack confidence," he said.

Mr Andrews added that Ms Blears agreed with the PSNC over the need to take a holistic approach to issues that affect contractors' confidence in the future. Generics reimbursement, the OFT investigation into control of entry, changes in remuneration and the new contract are all interlinked and changes must be properly integrated.