Gms Contract

The new GMS contract PCTs should consider how community pharmacists can be better engaged to help general practice meet the targets in the GMS quality framework and as an alternative provider of enhanced GMS services. In some cases, the core services proposed as part of the new pharmacy contract will actually ensure GP practices meet certain quality standards. The National Pharmaceutical Association (NPA) resource pack 'A quick reference guide to the Quality Indicators in the new GMS contract' describes the key quality indicators, what services community pharmacy can offer to support GP practices and examples of the published evidence base. This is available in the NPA section of DrugInfoZone at . The new pharmacy contractThe DH, the NHS Confederation and the Pharmaceutical Services Negotiating Committee (PSNC) are currently negotiating a new pharmacy contract which will be implemented during 2004 .The proposed framework for the new pharmacy contract is as follows:Essential servicesEssential services will form the core of the pharmacy contract and be provided by all pharmacies. These services include:DispensingFind out morewww.druginfozone.nhs.uk/

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Vision' contains clear signposts on the future direction of community pharmacy service development. For example it states that "Pharmacy is an integral part of the NHS family. We want to see pharmacists strengthening their contribution to the provision of high quality, patient centred NHS services." 'The Vision'particularly emphasises the role for community pharmacists in the public health agenda and medicines management, and stresses the importance of having a pharmacist on the PEC.'A Vision for Pharmacy in the new NHS' is available at . Full responses from the national pharmacy bodies are available at their respective websites atand A summary of responses to 'The Vision' is available at Proposals to reform and modernise the NHS (pharmaceutical services) regulations 1992 The Government is currently developing proposals for changes in the control of entry regulations.The key changes that PCTs need to be aware of (within the current DH consultation) are:Secondary legislation may introduce the concepts of "consumer choice and competition" within the definitions of necessary and desirable, which are used to judge pharmacy contract applications.Exemptions for pharmacies in shopping developments of over 15,000 square metres, those planning to open 100 hours per week and those who are "part of consortium to develop new one stop centres" may be given. However in relation to exemptions, an exemption may only be given if the pharmacy is going to provide a "full and prescribed range of services, appropriate to local needs, as determined by the PCT". There is a further exemption for wholly internet or mail-order pharmacies.Find out morewww.dh.gov.uk/PolicyAndGuidance/MedicinesPharmacyAndIndustry/fs/enwww.npa.co.uk, www.rpsgb.org.uk www.psnc.org.uk. www.dh.gov.uk/Consultations/ResponsesToConsultations/fs/en Local Pharmaceutical Services (LPS)LPS was introduced by the Health & Social Care Act 2001 and the first proposals were approved in 2002. LPS puts PCTs in the driving seat and it is for each PCT to decide whether or not it wishes to use LPS - it can work with prospective provider(s) to devise scheme(s) or it can put together a scheme for preliminary approval and find a provider before submitting the scheme for final approval. LPS is not subject to Pharmaceutical Services Regulations thus allowing PCTs the flexibility to locate LPS pilots where they will most benefit those patients that they are designed to serve. LPS is not just about pharmaceutical services although each scheme must have a dispensing element. A broad range of other services not traditionally associated with community pharmacy, including training and education, may be included in LPS contracts. This provides the PCT with the flexibility to design services with patient need in mind and to ensure that service configurations address local patient needs while at the same time helping to deliver PCT priorities. LPS is an opportunity to work closely with community pharmacy to make better use of pharmacist skills. Many community pharmacists want to get involved in dynamic contracts that use their skills to better effect to enhance the quality of service they deliver to the patient and provide a more central role in the delivery of healthcare. The next closing date for submission of proposals is 1 September 2004.The DH LPS website is available at . 'A Vision for pharmacy in the new NHS' In July 2003, the DH published 'A Vision for Pharmacy in the New NHS' (The Vision). This describes the progress that pharmacy has made against the targets set in 'Pharmacy in the Future'and provides a vision of future developments. 'The Find out more www.dh.gov.uk/PolicyAndGuidance/MedicinesPharmacyAndIndustry/LocalPharmaceuticalServices/fs/en