The Government’s unexpected U-turn over hub and spoke – at least for the moment – has been hailed as a long overdue shift in position in response to convincing evidence, rational argument and massive public support. However, any hint of “I told you so” on the pharmacy side would be gravely misplaced.

Ministers may have underestimated the strength of the well organised ‘Support your local pharmacy’ campaign – and the sector can allow itself a deserved pat on the back here – but will it actually reverse policy as far as the proposed cuts are concerned or will the Treasury have its pound of flesh regardless?

The Department of Health’s stance on hub and spoke was ill thought through and handled clumsily from the start – the officials hardly covered themselves in glory here. Nevertheless, it was an attempt (if crude) to link efficiencies with reform and level the playing field. The fear must be that an undeterred DH will take its £170m anyway – and more going forward.

The hope is that both sides can now engage in a constructive dialogue over the wider aspects of the Government’s proposed reforms in a concerted and open-minded bid to move pharmacy forward.

 

Last month I wrote critically about the failure of the profession to address the growing problem of workplace pressures in pharmacy. So the news that the GPhC is to examine the issue is welcome, if somewhat overdue. This is an area in which the regulator must take the strongest of leads.