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Letters to the Editor
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Dispensing
Consequences of CIP are unacceptable
From Mr U. A. Patel, MRPharmS
I write regarding the “Capacity
improvement programme” (CIP),
mentioned in the PJ of 9 February 2008 (p140). Although we understand
the need for the CIP, the consequences for contractors are unacceptable.
We are asked to separate all prescription forms where “calendar” packs
are not dispensed and where broken bulk endorsements are made. Since
there is no definition for a calendar pack and the pack sizes listed
in the Drug Tariff vary from four to 180, it is unrealistic to expect
pharmacy staff to remember the various products and pack sizes.
The Pharmaceutical Services Negotiating Committee has announced that
it is negotiating payment for this extra “regulatory” burden.
This is not a regulatory matter and we would rather not sort the prescriptions.
This extra cost can be added to the NHS Business Services Authority’s
Prescription Pricing Division budget — let it do the sorting. Extra
payments to contractors have a history of being lost in the global sum.
It is ironic that the NHSBSA is adopting automation while it is imposing
a more labour-intensive procedure on contractors.
We understand a scanner is being used. Surely if the scanner can identify
the products and strengths, it should also identify quantity prescribed
and dispensed as per endorsement. If necessary, the software used by
GPs and patient medication record systems should have a standardised
format and font. After all, the clearing banks have had a standard format
for cheques and pay in slips for electronic scanning for over 25 years.
Also there is concern about the accuracy of the scanner. Several pharmacists
have reported that “exempt” prescriptions have been switched
to “paid” with consequential loss. I would urge all contractors
to check their payments with their records.
Since the accuracy of pricing is of paramount importance to the contractors,
we think the PSNC needs to give this matter urgent priority and carry
out a thorough audit and inform the contractors.
Uma Patel
Director, Avicenna Plc
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The
Pharmaceutical Journal