07 Dec 2009
The NPA has highlighted the significant administrative burden of complying with Information Governance requirements in its response to the recent consultation for community pharmacy.
Gareth Jones, NPA NHS Liaison Manager said: “Whilst we recognise the real importance of Information Governance (IG), we are also mindful of the pressures under which community pharmacists’ work. Their first concern is to deliver high quality patient care and nothing should be added needlessly to their administrative obligations, which takes them away from their core role. The resources to support the delivery of IG must be as simple and straightforward as possible to enable pharmacists to complete this task correctly and speedily.”
The NPA particularly highlighted the very short deadline that its members will have in completing the first set of requirements by March 2010. The deadline coincides with a peak time for seasonal flu and other winter ailments, which gives rise to increased workloads and potentially staff shortages. The NPA has called for this deadline to be removed, with pharmacies instead being encouraged to show gradual progress towards the March 2011 deadline.
The NPA also pointed out that many multiple pharmacies operate the same systems and procedures across all of their premises. Internal processes, overseen by superintendents, ensure that these systems are maintained. Where this is the case, it is unduly bureaucratic to require every individual pharmacy to assess and report its individual level of compliance.
The full NPA consultation response on Information Governance can be obtained by emailing: communications@npa.co.uk or by downloading the document.
