Inclusion of practice-based commissioning leads on PECs represents a conflict of interest
Automatic inclusion of practice-based commissioning (PBC) lead clinicians on primary care trust professional executive committees (PECs) has been challenged by national pharmacy bodies in their responses to “Fit to lead”, the Department of Health's consultation on the future of PECs (PJ, 2 December 2006, p657 and p662).
A joint response from the Pharmaceutical Services Negotiating Committee,
the Company Chemists’ Association, the Royal Pharmaceutical Society,
the Association of Independent Multiple Pharmacies and the National Pharmacy
Association maintains that PBC clinicians having automatic PEC membership “would
undermine the role of the PEC in scrutinising PBC in the way we envisage.
In fact, we believe that guidance should go further and determine that
no one professional group has a majority on the PEC.”
Barbara Parsons, head of pharmacy practice, PSNC, said: “We have
stressed the need for a wide range of professions … and for the selection
process to be transparent and fair.”
In their response, the pharmacy groups indicate that all professionals,
including independent contractors, should have an equal opportunity to
be appointed to PECs and “should be able to demonstrate their competence
in their field along with evidence of frontline clinical experience with
direct patient contact being essential”.
The Primary Care Pharmacy Association raises similar concerns about commissioners
being represented on PECs. Its separate response states: “This
represents a potential conflict of interest since it might be the same
individuals providing reassurance to the PCT that the PBC bids are appropriate.
The representation of pharmacists and other professionals allied to medicine
will help ensure that a broader view is taken.”
The PCPA also recommends that primary care medicines management pharmacists
should be eligible for new PEC roles. “We are confident that many
possess the necessary leadership skills,” the association responds.
Stephen Fishwick, head of NHS service development, NPA, told The
Journal: “It
would be bad news for pharmacy if the shake-out from the PEC review dislodges
pharmacy representation at this critical time. Pharmacy needs leaders
in key positions locally in order to restore momentum, towards an extended
role, that has been lost over the period of NHS reconfiguration.”
Ms Parsons added: “It is important that community pharmacy continues
to have input and that the expertise gained from PEC pharmacists is not
lost.”
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