Contractors approve new contract framework for England and Wales
Community pharmacy contractors in England and Wales have voted by a large majority in support of the framework for the proposed
new contract (PJ, 11 October, p482). On a turnout of 68.5 per cent, 95 per cent
voted in favour.
Contractors were asked to respond “yes” or “no”,
on a one vote per pharmacy basis, to the statement: “I am happy
with the outline service framework for the new contract, provided that
it is supported by fair funding, an acceptable contractual environment
and that a structured transition from the old to the new contract is
in place.”
Sue Sharpe, chief executive of the Pharmaceutical Services Negotiating Committee, commented: “This is a powerful demonstration to the
Government that contractors want to develop high quality modern patient
services.
“If the Government delivers fair funding, with an acceptable contractual
environment, this new framework will enable community pharmacy truly
to form an integral part of National Health Service primary care.”
The PSNC will continue discussions with the Department of Health and
the NHS Confederation (representing primary care trusts) over funding
arrangements for the new contract. A further ballot of contractors will
take place once these have been finalised.
Barry Andrews, chairman of the PSNC, welcomed the result of the ballot,
adding that the Government’s decision following consultation on
the reform of control of entry regulations in England (which closes next
week) “will be crucial in shaping the future of the framework and
ensuring its implementation”.
Comment, p664 |
