PSNC has published a set of proposals that describe how pharmacy services could develop in the future within the context of Government drives for efficiency.

The proposals include the introduction of a care package that would see repeat dispensing becoming a default option where medicines are needed on a long-term basis, patient registration at pharmacies, and pharmacies offering enhanced medicines optimisation services.

Pharmacies would also offer routine inhaler technique checks and advice, undertake targeted prescription interventions, provide support for patients after discharge from hospital and offer minor ailments and emergency supply services.

Inhaler checks proposed

The document comes as part of the discussions with the NHS following the Government’s recent announcement of a number of plans for community pharmacy including the £170m reduction in funding. The Government has highlighted the need for efficiencies but has also stated that it wants to develop a clinically focused community pharmacy service.

The letter sent in December by the DH and NHS England lacked detail, so these service proposals are intended to fill that gap, says PSNC, showing how the sector can offer value and cost savings for the NHS as well as meeting the Government’s stated ambitions for community pharmacy services. The proposals have been presented to the DH but at the time of going to press there had been no response.