Stoma supplies should be designated an optional service
Representatives of pharmacy contractors in England have told the Department of Health that they want the supply of stoma and incontinence appliances and catheters to be an optional NHS service.
This view is set out in the Pharmaceutical Services Negotiating Committee’s
response (PDF 90K) to a DoH consultation (PDF 120K)
on the matter earlier this year (PJ,
5 August, p152).
The consultation proposed two levels of service — essential
services (dispensing, repeat dispensing, complimentary supplies, product
delivery and telephone support) to be provided by all contractors, and
additional services (product customisation and home visits) which contractors
could opt to provide.
The PSNC says that the new proposed service should not be imposed on
all contractors because some of them might not be able to provide even
the basic service to the required standards. For example, not all pharmacies
are able to operate delivery services. Alternatively, the PSNC says that
delivery should be made an additional service if everyone is to be expected
to provide stoma supplies.
However, the committee makes it clear that its support for any of the
proposals is conditional on the agreement of remuneration arrangements
that cover the full cost of the service plus a fair return.
On the issue of “complimentary supplies”, the PSNC points
out that pharmacy contractors are currently prohibited from offering
patients inducements to bring prescriptions to them for dispensing. However,
it supports the proposal in the context of stoma supplies provided it
is fully reflected in any new model for reimbursement and remuneration,
including a fair return. |
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