The Pharmaceutical Journal
Vol 271 No 7271 p534
18 October 2003

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Pharmaceutical Services Negotiating Committee (www.psnc.org.uk)
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PSNC tells LPCs how to respond to control of entry consultation

Local pharmaceutical committees in England have been sent guidance by the Pharmaceutical Services Negotiating Committee on responding to the Department of Health's consultation on reform of the control of entry regulations.

The guidance focuses around the exemptions to entry controls proposed by the Government:

Competition and choice PCTs should be urged to look at the existing provision of services in an area and the long-term impact of any new contracts. New contracts should result in increased services not reduced provision because other pharmacies close.

Shopping developments An impact assessment form has been produced for LPCs to use to assess developments in their areas. A temporary list of shopping developments greater than 15,000 sq m has been provided by the Department of Health.

Longer opening A pharmacist should be present during the opening hours of every pharmacy, including pharmacies granted a contract under the 100-hours-a-week exemption. LPCs should ask whether such pharmacies will provide a full range of pharmacy services all the time they are open.

One-stop centres The definition of a one-stop primary care centre must not allow all new redeveloped doctors’ surgeries to be described as such. LPCs could suggest definitions and offer views on what constitutes a “full and prescribed” range of services.

Internet and mail-order Internet or mail-order pharmacies should not be able to cherry pick high-value prescriptions or services, the PSNC says.