Repeat dispensing retains support despite concerns
Repeat dispensing still has the support of the Department of Health and the Pharmaceutical Services Negotiating Committee, it was confirmed this week. This is despite concerns raised by those involved in the pathfinder sites over how widely repeat dispensing can be used
(see News feature, p567).
Alastair Buxton, head of NHS services at the PSNC, told The Journal: “We
still see
repeat dispensing as an important future role for pharmacists. We are
keen to see it developed as part of the new contract.” He agreed
that there had been practical problems with repeat dispensing, particularly
with GP software, but stressed: “Repeat dispensing is a major Government
target. The Government committed to it in ‘Building on the best’ and
recently advertised to appoint researchers to evaluate the pathfinder
sites, so I am confident that repeat dispensing will happen.”
A Department of Health spokesman commented: “It is proposed that
repeat dispensing is one of the essential services to be provided by
all community pharmacists as part of the new contractual framework. National
roll out beyond the pathfinder sites will therefore be considered in
the context of timing of implementation of the new pharmacy contract.”
Mr Buxton added that change takes time, something that those involved
in the pilots have found. The key is effective change management, according
to Gillian Laurence, head of medicines management at East Leeds Primary
Care Trust, one of the pathfinder sites. “Ideally all participants
need to be on board, feel supported and have time available for planning.
They must feel confident that repeat dispensing will bring benefits for
patients and health care professionals alike,” she said. |
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Pharmaceutical Journal
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