Applications invited for second wave of repeat dispensing pilots
Pharmacists interested in establishing a repeat dispensing service now have the chance to become involved in the next wave of repeat dispensing pathfinder pilots to be launched in February 2004.
Pharmacies which are already taking part in a
local pharmaceutical services initiatives or medicines management services
in England have been invited to make a bid by the Department of Health.
The appeal for 40 second wave sites has gone out a month after the first
repeat prescriptions were issued under the first wave of pilots.
The first wave, which only applied to repeat prescriptions generated
by GPs, was originally approved a year ago.
But it was not until May that the regulations to allow repeat dispensing
were in place.
The National Pharmaceutical Association anticipates that community pharmacists
will be keen to sign up to the second wave.
Assistant head of NHS service development at the NPA, Claire Jones, said: “I
think the roll out of repeat dispensing is a possible move for community
pharmacists.
“If you look at the trials, repeat dispensing has reduced medicines
waste, patients like it and it’s a more professional service because
pharmacists are involved.”
Pharmaceutical Services Negotiating Committee’s local pharmaceutical
committee liaison officer Barbara Parsons said: “The committee
is keen to see new services built around dispensing and encourages the
involvement of community pharmacists in the repeat dispensing process
in partnership with the patient and the prescriber.
“Repeat dispensing is one of the essential services being discussed
in the new national contract negotiations.”
Bids for the second wave of sites, which come into effect on 2 February
next year, have to be made through primary care trusts. Applications,
which are also invited from independent nurse prescribers, must be completed
by 12 November and successful applicants will be informed by 5 December.
Pharmacists involved in repeat dispensing pilots receive £150 start-up
costs and £100 a month. They also qualify for the standard dispensing
fee of 94p per item. Their PCT receives a one-off payment of £6,500
towards computer and staff training costs.
|
