The Pharmaceutical Journal
Vol 280 No 7499 p496
26 April 2008

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CPS in funding talks with the Scottish Government

Community Pharmacy Scotland is currently holding talks with the Scottish Government on pharmacy funding.

Elspeth Weir, CPS head of policy and development, confirmed that CPS met Government representatives last week. “We [also] have a meeting scheduled for 2 May. After that, we hope to be in a position to comment on the financial package for the coming year,” she told The Journal this week.

Until negotiations are completed, the current transitional payment structure will remain in place.

In a letter sent to pharmacy contractors before last Friday’s meeting, CPS wrote: “The change in the reimbursement rates for category M products has resulted in many contractors phoning us to express their concern about the effect on their ability to continue to deliver services.”

It stated that this would be raised with the Government, along with a discussion about a need to increase the global sum.

CPS is currently seeking information from contractors about cash flow difficulties, renegotiating loans and staff retention. It has also confirmed that a survey into the cost of providing pharmaceutical services — which it announced earlier in 2008 (PJ, 16 February 2008, p168) — will take place this summer.

A pilot survey involving 40 pharmacies is taking place this month and the full survey is likely to be carried out in June 2008.