East Sussex Local Pharmaceutical Committee
“To promote, represent, develop and support NHS Community Pharmacy in East Sussex in the interest of contractors
and service users.”
50 Rockington Way, Crowborough, East Sussex TN6 2NL
01892-665565
Terry Needle 6th April 2010
Prestamex House
171-173 Preston Road
Brighton BN1 6AG
Dear Terry
New Funding Mechanism for Pharmaceutical Services and Pharmaceutical Needs Assessment
As Chair of East Sussex’ Local Pharmaceutical Committee (LPC) I would like to alert you to two changes that will have an effect on Community Pharmacy. Information has already been sent to PCTs from Primary Care Contracting (PCC).
Devolution of the Global Sum
From April 1st 2010 the Pharmacy Global Sum has been devolved to PCTs. PCC has produced guidance for PCTs to assist them in understanding the implications of the devolution of the global sum for pharmaceutical services.
“It will be of particular interest to staff involved in the commissioning and contracting of pharmaceutical services and primary care finance leads. It is an interim document as further information is due out soon on the implications to hospitals. The final version will be released in April 2010.
http://www.pcc.nhs.uk/devolution-of-the-pharmacy-global-sum.
This is interim guidance as one section is to be completed; however DH has asked that we publish it as soon as possible.” (PCC)
Pharmaceutical Needs Assessment (PNA)
The Regulations with regards to PNAs were laid before Parliament on 26th March to come into effect on 24th May 2010.
“PCTs need to ensure that any current draft PNA is compliant with regulatory requirements. It is recommended that PCTs should ensure they have put in place appropriate governance arrangements and have identified their board member who has responsibility for the development of the first PNA and their core group.” (PCC)
The Regulations require Primary Care Trusts to prepare a PNA and publish this by 1 February 2011.
The regulations set out what must be included in the PNA, who must be consulted, and that consultation on the draft PNA must be for at least 60 days. The Department of Health had consulted on these proposals, and had held listening events for PCTs, LPCs, pharmacists and the public, and is also publishing guidance to accompany the Regulations.
The LPC is keen to support the PCT with regards to the finalisation of their PNA and also to gain reassurance that Pharmacy Contractors will not be disadvantaged by the devolution of the global sum to local level. We look forward to your response.
Yours Sincerely
Craig Mc Ewan MRPharmS
LPC Chair
cc. Jane Moffat, Head of Prescribing
Amanda Marshall Community Pharmacy Facilitator
Chairman – Craig McEwan, BPharm. MRPharmS. Tel 07771 696890
Professional Executive Officer – Vanessa Taylor MRPharmS. Tel 07770 430186
Treasurer - Paul Antenen MRPharmS Tel 07968 535970
Secretary – Flick Johnston MRPharmS Tel 01892-665565