This story was first published in digitalhealth.net
Government plans to modernise community pharmacies
Following an extensive consultation, the government has revealed plans to modernise community pharmacies to relieve pressure in other parts of the NHS.
Supported by NHS England, the new measures will include the first ever reward system for pharmacies that are providing a high quality service.
At present, the average pharmacy costs £220,000 a year for NHS pharmaceutical services, including fixed £25,000 ‘establishment payments’ that most pharmacies receive annually, regardless of the service they provide. Government spending for pharmacy will remain at around £2.6 billion a year.
The changes will see the establishment payment phased out, with greater emphasis placed on rewarding pharmacies for the quality of services provided to the public.
More importantly, the new measures will the first ever reward system for pharmacies. The £75 million Quality Payment Scheme will see pharmacies receive funding based on their ability to provide a quality service to the public.
NHS England are also introducing a £42 million Pharmacy Integration Fund to improve how pharmacists operate within the NHS as a whole, relieving the pressure on GPs and A&Es.
Beginning in December 2016, NHS England will be working to embed pharmacy into NHS urgent care by expanding the services already provided by community pharmacies in England for those who need urgent repeat prescriptions and treatment for urgent minor ailments and common conditions.
Dr Keith Ridge, chief pharmaceutical officer for England, said: “The public can be reassured that while efficiencies are being asked of community pharmacy just as they are of other parts of the NHS, there is still sufficient funding to ensure there are accessible and convenient local NHS pharmacy services across England. The NHS is committed to a positive future for pharmacists and community pharmacy.
“NHS England has secured £42 million of funding for 2016 to 2018 for a new Pharmacy Integration Fund being announced today. It will support community pharmacy to develop new clinical pharmacy services, working practices and online support to meet the public’s expectations for a modern NHS. In addition, the NHS is now funding a big expansion of 1,500 clinical pharmacists in local primary care clinics and GP surgeries.”
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