The Pharmaceutical Journal
Vol 280 No 7494 p326
22 March 2008

This article
Reprint   Photocopy

  Acrobat Reader

News summary

Toolkit encouraging joint working between industry and the NHS published by DoH and ABPI

Joint working between NHS organisations and the pharmaceutical industry has been made easier through the development of a toolkit that aims to provide practical information and strategies to help the two parties work together to benefit patients.

The toolkit, developed by the Department of Health and the Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry, complements best practice guidance, which was published last month (PJ, 9 February 2008, p145).

Following publication of the toolkit, a new pilot scheme involving joint working between Ashton, Leigh and Wigan Primary Care Trust and the ABPI was announced. The venture aims to bring additional resources to the PCT as it develops its commissioning plans.

“Targeted and ethical joint working between the industry and the NHS can bring great benefits to patients and the NHS, and this latest co-operative venture is a prime example of the sort of endeavour that we and the Government are seeking to encourage,” said Martin Anderson, ABPI director of NHS policy and partnerships.

Peter Rowe, chief executive of Ashton, Leigh and Wigan PCT, added: “We believe that joint working with pharmaceutical companies in line with the best practice guidance will bring new expertise and resources, and will make a significant contribution to our ambition to become world class commissioners.”