The Pharmaceutical Journal
Vol 272 No 7297 p541
1 May 2004

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· Indemnity insurance
· CPD
· Drug nomenclature
· NHS pension scheme
· Ampoule labelling
· The profession
· Electronic prescribing
· Canvassing
· The Society

Letters to the Editor

NHS pension scheme

Time to rectify an “injustice”

From Mr B. J. Smith, MRPharmS

The NHS Pension Scheme is open to NHS medical, dental and ophthalmic practitioners (including trainees, some locums and assistants) and general medical practice staff.

These benefits have never been available to community pharmacists or their staff. It is no wonder that community pharmacists often feel left outside the NHS family, despite all the positive work they do to benefit heath care. Pharmacists working for independent contractors and small multiples often have to make their own pension arrangements, in the form of a personal plan or may have no provision at all.

With the negotiation of a new community pharmacy contract under way it would seem the right time to rectify this injustice. I hope the Pharmaceutical Services Negotiating Committee will promote our cause loudly in order to establish the long-term protection of pharmacists and their staff in retirement.

Barrie Smith
Vice-Chairman
Kent Local Pharmaceutical Committee

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