04 Mar 2010
The National Pharmacy Association (NPA) has commented on the consultation for Building on Strengths: delivering the future – draft Regulations to the Health Act 2009 – Pharmaceutical Needs Assessments. Overall the NPA is keen for pharmaceutical services not to be considered in isolation but as an integral part of primary care services.
Margaret Peycke NPA External Relations Manager said: “The need for precision when identifying unmet need is vital, given that PNAs will ultimately underpin market entry decisions.
A recent NPA survey confirmed that contractors are keen to expand the existing range of services, however they are deterred by unpredictable planning landscapes within the NHS. A good PNA should build confidence to invest but poor PNAs would have the opposite effect. ”
“We are concerned that PCTs will not allocate sufficient funding and project management time to enable a robust PNA to be produced. SHAs should require PCTs to reconsider their plans should the PNA not be robust enough. PCTs should also make a commitment to an on-going dialogue with local pharmaceutical committees to help with their assessments.”
The full consultation response is available by emailing communications@npa.co.uk or by downloading it from here.