29 Apr 2010
Changes to prescription sorting (£100+ items)
“The NPA is concerned by the new prescription sorting arrangements that have been introduced at very short notice, adding yet more cumbersome bureaucracy to the pharmacy day-job. Pharmacies are increasingly busy and there is no spare time to do the job of the pricing authority for them. We will be contacting the PPD to ask how long they anticipate these sorting arrangements will need to be in place – and how soon it will be before their modernised system actually does what we were all promised it would at the outset – in other words, when will it finally work? In a snapshot survey of members, they have told us they anticipate considerable new workload unless PMR systems are in place to assist in managing the process. The NPA is currently spearheading a drive to limit the burden of paperwork in community pharmacy – so we cannot let this matter pass unchallenged.”
Vetting and Barring
“The NPA is working with the CCA to produce guidance to pharmacies about employer responsibilities under the Vetting and Barring regulations. This is yet another issue on which we’ll keep a vigilant eye for bureaucratic overkill. Officials responsible for the scheme have agreed to meet the NPA in June – if members want to ask them questions directly, they are welcome to join us and should contact our External Relations department to make arrangements. (email m.peycke@npa.co.uk)”
Branded generics
“The NPA has received numerous representations from members affected by branded generics. By incentivising branded generics, the NHS is raiding pharmacies for money and blowing holes in the nationally agreed frameworks. It is a false economy for the NHS, and punches community pharmacy at a time where such shocks can not easily be absorbed.
NPA will be taking legal advice on the matter and making clear to NHS managers that such short-sighted behaviours are unacceptable.”
Appointment of a new chief executive
“The Board discussed the matter of recruiting a new chief executive for the NPA and arrangements are being put in place for a recruitment process.”
