Respond swiftly to phase 2 of Lord Darzi’s review
Pharmacists are urged to respond to the second phase of Lord Darzi’s
review of the NHS in England by various national pharmacy bodies. The
second phase of “Our NHS, our future” aims to capture the
views of local people and frontline health professionals.
The pharmacy bodies believe that the most powerful advocates for pharmacy
are patients. “Pharmacists should encourage their customers to
participate in this exercise — especially those who have experienced
enhanced pharmaceutical care — so they can share their real-life
experience of pharmacy services,” said a spokesman.
They are encouraging pharmacists to act quickly since local consultations
are already under way. These consultations are being led by strategic
health authorities, which will establish groups of NHS and social care
staff to discuss the vision for maternity services, staying healthy,
children’s health, planned care, acute care, mental health, long-term
conditions and end-of-life care.
Details of local meetings can be found on the internet.
Comments can also be e-mailed to ourNHS@dh.gsi.gov.uk.
Lord Darzi has already completed his review of services in London.
The pharmacy bodies believe that the consultation provides a platform
for pharmacists to reinforce their role and accessibility as a service
provider in primary care. It also gives an opportunity for hospital and
primary care pharmacists to contribute their views on the above, or more
general, issues.
The pharmacy bodies — the Royal Pharmaceutical Society, the Pharmaceutical
Services Negotiating Committee, the National Pharmacy Association, the
Primary Care Pharmacists’ Association, the Company Chemists’ Association,
the Association of Independent Multiple Pharmacies and the Guild of Healthcare
Pharmacists — are taking action at a national level. They plan
to write to Lord Darzi to outline their views, ask for a meeting to discuss
the challenges around pharmacy engagement and seek input into Lord Darzi’s
advisory board.
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