PSNC and NPA to discuss possibility of a future merger
Exploratory talks over a possible merger between the Pharmaceutical Services Negotiating Committee and the National Pharmacy Association are to be held. Neither organisation has decided that a merger is a good idea, just that talks should be held.
PSNC chief executive Sue Sharpe told The Journal this week: “An
enormous amount of thinking and talking both need to be done.”
Issues that would need to be addressed include the different geographical
reach of the two organisations. The PSNC negotiates NHS remuneration
for England, and for Wales through Community Pharmacy Wales, while the
NPA represents pharmacy businesses throughout the UK.
Remuneration in Scotland is negotiated by the Scottish Pharmaceutical
General Council, which merged with the NPA equivalent Scottish Pharmaceutical
Federation a year ago.
Neal Patel, communications manager at the NPA, confirmed that exploratory
talks are to be held.
In a written statement, he said: “Changes within pharmacy and the
importance of having the strongest possible voice for community pharmacy
have resulted in this issue once again featuring on the agenda of both
the NPA and PSNC. Both bodies recognise the importance of a single united
community pharmacy voice and have agreed that there is benefit in the
NPA and PSNC discussing the feasibility of moving forward as a unified
organisation.”
No meetings have been held yet, and no dates for any meetings have been
set.
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