Guide to community pharmacy services launched
The guide should help commissioners |
A reference guide to how community pharmacy can contribute to modernising NHS services has been produced by the South East Regional Forum of Local Pharmaceutical Committees.
The first edition of the
booklet was produced two years ago (PJ, 3 November
2001, p639). The second edition, launched this week, is in a similar
format but its content has been revised to reflect recent Government
policy.
“It describes working examples of services that could be commissioned
by primary care trusts, those that are in the third layer of the new
pharmacy contract,” explained Stuart McMillan, chairman of the
forum. The services could also be used by PCTs to help meet local delivery
plan targets.
Vanessa Taylor, forum secretary, who co-authored the guide with Jenny
Webb of the National Pharmaceutical Association, said there was a need
to update the first edition following the publication of “Vision
for Pharmacy”, the framework for the new pharmacy contract and
the new GP contract. “We have moved on a great deal since the publication
of the first edition. It described pilots; now we are talking about service
provision.”
The guide describes how community pharmacy can improve health outcomes
in the following areas: cancer, coronary heart disease, mental health,
older people, children and drug misuse. It also covers how pharmacists
can help to increase access in emergency and planned care, improve the
patient experience and reduce health inequalities. Examples of real-life
services being provided by community pharmacists are included which demonstrate
the outcomes and benefits that pharmacists can achieve. Contact details
of people involved in each service are listed.
The booklet is aimed at commissioners in PCTs but could also be used
by community pharmacists who want to develop services. It is endorsed
by the Pharmaceutical Services Negotiating Committee and the NPA, and
was supported by an educational grant from Pfizer. Copies of the guide
will be distributed locally. It is also available in a pdf format and
can be obtained from Vanessa Taylor (e-mail vanessa.taylor@boots.co.uk or tel 07770 430186). |
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