EPS could protect independents against polyclinics
Development of the electronic prescription service could protect the future of independent pharmacists who might feel threatened by the creation of super surgeries or polyclinics, the NHS Confederation suggested last week.
The confederation, the organisation which represents NHS trusts and health
authorities, put forward the idea in its report “Ideas from Darzi:
polyclinics” which focused on the proposal, from the Healthcare
for London review by health minister Lord Darzi, of a network of polyclinics
established across the capital.
It highlights the threat that some pharmacists feel from polyclinics,
which could have their own in-house pharmacy, as one of the issues that
needs to be addressed if the initiative is to be successful.
The organisation says it would be wrong to impose a single polyclinic
model. Instead, they should develop a shape and structure that reflects
local need.
Director of policy at the NHS Confederation Nigel Edwards said he was
surprised by the controversy and the backlash to the polyclinic idea,
especially as they already operate successfully in other parts of England
such as Birmingham and Liverpool.
He said: “What we need now is a calm and balanced debate about
how to bring out the best in our primary care services.
“Knee jerk reactions focusing on possible problems based on pre-existing
agendas rather than potential solutions could seriously jeopardise progress
for patients.”
Although polyclinics may not be the solution to improved patient care
for everybody, he said: “Delivering better organised care focused
on the patient is surely a good thing.”
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