Drug Tariff update on IT allowances for Wales
UniChem
Use of bar-coded prescriptions will be implemented during the second
phase |
Updated information regarding IT allowances for community pharmacy contractors in Wales will be published in the December Drug Tariff (part VIA). It sets out how previous IT allowances should be used and when future payments can be expected.
The technical architecture that underpins the National Programme for
IT in England and Informing Health Care in Wales is developing
separately (PJ, 29 April 2006, p494). The delivery of the IT component of the pharmacy
contract in Wales will take place in two phases.
The first phase involves developing IT infrastructure. Contractors received
two allowances of £1,300 in 2005–06. This funding had to
be targeted to ensure any IT invested in is capable of running the latest
version of the contractor’s patient medication records system as
well as supporting secure connectivity and enabling access to the NHS
Wales network. As a minimum, by 31 March 2007, contractors are required
to have initiated discussions with their pharmacy system supplier to
arrange for an approved connectivity package. When an approved connection
is live and active contractors will receive a further £200 per
month from their local health board.
It is expected that the second phase will be delivered through two releases.
In release 1 use of bar-coded prescription forms will be implemented
across Wales. Release 2 will provide a mechanism for electronically transmitting
pharmacy claims for payment. A one-off allowance of £1,000 will
be paid to contractors during 2007–08 to support this. |
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