The Pharmaceutical Journal
Vol 277 No 7419 p358
23 September 2006

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PSNC: Christmas/New Year opening

Christmas reminder issued

The Pharmaceutical Services Negotiating Committee has reminded contractors that pharmacies are not required to be open on Christmas Day, Boxing Day or on New Year's Day to meet their contracted hours (because the days fall on designated bank holidays), unless the local primary care trust has issued directions or the pharmacy has agreed to open. The PSNC suggests that contractors inform PCTs of their opening plans for these days, although there is no obligation to do so.

Where a pharmacy’s core hours include Saturday and Sunday, contractors must apply to their PCT at least 90 days in advance if they want to close the pharmacy on either the 23 or 24 December. Contractors who have declared Saturday or Sunday as supplementary hours can close but must notify their PCT at least 90 days in advance.