The Pharmaceutical Journal
Vol 280 No 7484 p8
5/12 January 2008

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Community pharmacists must not miss the boat with commissioning

Community pharmacists should not see practice-based commissioning (PBC) as a passing policy or they are in danger of being left behind. This is the conclusion of a new guide on PBC for community pharmacy contractors published by the Pharmaceutical Services Negotiating Committee this week.
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The guide warns: “The direction of travel for PBC remains unchanged. It is central to [the Government’s vision of] world class commissioning and is here to stay. If community pharmacy does not want to be left behind in both commissioners’ plans, and acting as providers of services, it is crucial that local pharmaceutical committees and individual contractors do not see PBC as another transient policy, but become actively engaged in the process now.”

The guide outlines opportunities for community pharmacy, explains how to establish the environment for pharmacy engagement and provides practical suggestions for action and advice on the development of business cases for PBC commissioners.

Barbara Parsons, head of pharmacy practice at the PSNC, said: “Individual contractors need to understand the mechanisms primary care trusts and PBC consortia use to commission services. It is the aim of the guide not only to brief contractors on these mechanisms but to provide them with the know-ledge and confidence to work with local commissioners.”