The Pharmaceutical Journal
Vol 270 No 7248 p641
10 May 2003

This article
Reprint
Photocopy

News summary

Related websites
NatPaCT (www.natpact.nhs.uk)

Funding available for PCT-based supplementary prescribing projects

The National Primary and Care Trust Development Programme (NatPaCT) is looking for primary care trusts to undertake developmental projects.

NatPaCT is currently looking for a PCT to take on a project about putting into practice policy around implementing supplementary prescribing. Exactly what the project will involve has not been set out. Heather Gray, project director at NatPaCT, explained that this is because "we want innovation so we cannot specify what the project should involve". What has been made clear is that the project will not involve funding for the implementation of supplementary prescribing (eg, training costs) but will be for learning the best way to implement it.

"We are aware that supplementary prescribing is starting, but no-one has got competencies around it yet. We want to capture leaders in the field who are getting it up and running, and then share this information with others," she added.

NatPaCT, which was set up to provide developmental support to PCTs, is currently deciding which PCT will be awarded funding for its first project about commissioning secondary and tertiary services. Altogether £60,000 is available for the two projects. NatPaCT is also interested to hear from PCTs with ideas for other projects.