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19/08/2004
Pharmacy services to be extended onto internet in England
Under new proposals the government has provisionally approved internet-only pharmacy services for England.
Following a public consultation the government say that the changes will make it simpler and faster for new pharmacies to open and offer the NHS services patients need, whilst supporting the vital role that pharmacies play in providing local healthcare.
Patients will find new pharmacies easier to get to, open longer and offering a wider range of services locally following new rules to control the location of pharmacies.
An Office of Fair Trading report on the control of entry regulations and retail pharmacy services in the UK recommended abolition of some of the current "control of entry" restrictions on NHS pharmacy applications.
The final package of measures for regulatory freedoms include several safeguards:
Health Minister Rosie Winterton said: “These reforms continue to support the Government’s aim to put the needs of patients first, ensuring that local health services reflect the changing lifestyles and needs of patients. We are maintaining the vital role played by community pharmacies, particularly in poorer and rural areas, many of whom are small businesses.
“We are determined to improve access to, and the choice of, pharmacy services and to encourage innovation and excellence so that community pharmacy is recognised as a key player in the provision of NHS services.
“These reforms will provide an environment in which community pharmacy services can thrive.”
Anne Galbraith Chair of the Advisory Group said government had given the proposals and advice "careful consideration" and was "pleased to see that alongside the reform measures, Government has committed to a range of safeguards to ensure patients can continue to access the NHS pharmacy services they will need."
In addition it is intended that the current NHS Primary Care Trusts (PCT) assessment process will be further streamlined to, make it quicker, more transparent and promote more consistent decision-making.
“Control of entry” is the system whereby a PCT judges whether a new pharmacy is either necessary or desirable to ensure adequate provision of NHS pharmacy services locally.
(SP)
Following a public consultation the government say that the changes will make it simpler and faster for new pharmacies to open and offer the NHS services patients need, whilst supporting the vital role that pharmacies play in providing local healthcare.
Patients will find new pharmacies easier to get to, open longer and offering a wider range of services locally following new rules to control the location of pharmacies.
An Office of Fair Trading report on the control of entry regulations and retail pharmacy services in the UK recommended abolition of some of the current "control of entry" restrictions on NHS pharmacy applications.
The final package of measures for regulatory freedoms include several safeguards:
- Pharmacies located in shopping centres over 15,000 square metres, must be away from town centres;
- Pharmacies that are set up by consortia establishing new one-stop primary care centres must offer a wide range of primary care and community based services in addition to usual GP services, for instance, dentistry, optometry, podiatry, or other social or community based services to a substantial population of around 18,000 to 20,000 patients;
- Pharmacies that are wholly internet or mail-order based must provide a fully professional service;
- Pharmacies that commit to opening more than 100 hours per week must stick to this commitment.
Health Minister Rosie Winterton said: “These reforms continue to support the Government’s aim to put the needs of patients first, ensuring that local health services reflect the changing lifestyles and needs of patients. We are maintaining the vital role played by community pharmacies, particularly in poorer and rural areas, many of whom are small businesses.
“We are determined to improve access to, and the choice of, pharmacy services and to encourage innovation and excellence so that community pharmacy is recognised as a key player in the provision of NHS services.
“These reforms will provide an environment in which community pharmacy services can thrive.”
Anne Galbraith Chair of the Advisory Group said government had given the proposals and advice "careful consideration" and was "pleased to see that alongside the reform measures, Government has committed to a range of safeguards to ensure patients can continue to access the NHS pharmacy services they will need."
In addition it is intended that the current NHS Primary Care Trusts (PCT) assessment process will be further streamlined to, make it quicker, more transparent and promote more consistent decision-making.
“Control of entry” is the system whereby a PCT judges whether a new pharmacy is either necessary or desirable to ensure adequate provision of NHS pharmacy services locally.
(SP)
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Minister Supports Allergy Treatment Campaign
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26 March 2007
'Postcode lottery' remains in NHS dental care
There are "huge regional variations" in NHS dental care in England, consumer organisation Which? has warned in new research. The survey of 466 dentistry practices - which comes a year after the start of new NHS dentists' contract in England - found that just over a third (36%) are taking on any new NHS patients.
'Postcode lottery' remains in NHS dental care
There are "huge regional variations" in NHS dental care in England, consumer organisation Which? has warned in new research. The survey of 466 dentistry practices - which comes a year after the start of new NHS dentists' contract in England - found that just over a third (36%) are taking on any new NHS patients.
10 June 2004
Firms to assist with pharmacy services
Four organisations have been asked to work with pharmacists to enhance their work with disadvantaged and vulnerable groups in society. Pharmacists already help in areas such as stopping smoking, sexual health advice and substance misuse.
Firms to assist with pharmacy services
Four organisations have been asked to work with pharmacists to enhance their work with disadvantaged and vulnerable groups in society. Pharmacists already help in areas such as stopping smoking, sexual health advice and substance misuse.
04 January 2005
Five further health trusts make foundation grade
Following approval by the independent regulatory body, five Trusts have been granted Foundation Trust status.
Five further health trusts make foundation grade
Following approval by the independent regulatory body, five Trusts have been granted Foundation Trust status.
23 September 2004
NHS recruitment drive to focus on over 50s
A new nationwide drive to recruit NHS staff, which will focus for the first time on the over 50s, has been was launched today. NHS Job Shop Day comprises of 220 events taking place around the country on or around 23 September. Around 150 Jobcentres across England will also be holding special NHS events on 23 September as part of NHS Job Shop Day.
NHS recruitment drive to focus on over 50s
A new nationwide drive to recruit NHS staff, which will focus for the first time on the over 50s, has been was launched today. NHS Job Shop Day comprises of 220 events taking place around the country on or around 23 September. Around 150 Jobcentres across England will also be holding special NHS events on 23 September as part of NHS Job Shop Day.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A very mild, but mostly cloudy day, although with some bright or sunny spells. It will be mostly dry in the morning, but a little patchy light rain or drizzle at times in the afternoon. Maximum temperature 14 °C.Tonight:A band of heavier rain will move east during the evening before clearing eastwards after midnight. then mostly dry through the early hours, but a little rain towards dawn. Minimum temperature 8 °C.
