Widespread support for DoH vision for pharmacy
Ideas outlined in the Department of Health’s consultation document “A vision for pharmacy in the new NHS” (PJ, 26 July 2003, p106) have received wide support. The responses to the vision were published this week.
Altogether, 145 responses were received. Commenting on them, health minister
Rosie Winterton said: “The responses welcomed our continuing commitment
to pharmacy services and our intention to promote better integration
of community pharmacy within the NHS. Raising standards and increasing
access and choice is at the heart of our vision for pharmacy.” She
added that pharmacists’ experience, knowledge and commitment are
crucial to the Government’s aims for the NHS.
Two-thirds of respondents thought that the chief pharmacist’s 10
key roles for pharmacy were “about right”. Some put forward
additional roles and a further consultation on the key roles is being
considered.
More than 90 per cent of respondents said that there is an urgent need
to develop the NHS IT infrastructure and widespread support was given
for pharmacists to have access to NHS information systems. Although access
to patient information was considered to be essential for community pharmacists,
a need to protect patient confidentiality was highlighted. Further consultation
on this will be carried out.
Nearly all respondents recognised the need for appropriate education
and training to support pharmacists taking on extended roles. The importance
of skill mix in making the best use of pharmacists and pharmacy staff
is also highlighted, although concerns are raised over the adequacy of
current pharmacy technician qualifications.
According to nearly all of the respondents, funding is needed to implement
the vision. Some recognised that there are benefits in devolving funding
to primary care trusts although the majority said that these funds would
need to be protected to ensure that Primary Care Trusts commission and
develop local pharmacy services. Detailed proposals will be developed
and consulted on this year.
The responses are available here |
The
Pharmaceutical Journal