Walsall NHS Stop Smoking Service - How Can Pharmacies Benefit From becoming a Partner?
Service background:
Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust (WHT) has run a Specialist Stop Smoking Service since 2001 offering support and treatment for residents of Walsall. Over the years many changes have taken place with the most noteworthy being the introduction of the Tariff payment system in 2010. This system meant that we were no longer funded through block contracts but instead we were ‘paid by results’ i.e. received payment for quitters. This system is still in place today. Since beginning the service, we have sub-contracted out to GP’s, Pharmacies and Community venues by sending out a local contract for them to sign and we give a payment for 4 and 12 week quits. Each year a new contract is sent out with any changes for that year. We call sub-contractors ‘partners’.
For the year 2016-17 we had a quit rate of 46% with 1264 people setting a quit date and 580 people successfully quitting at four weeks. WHT also has a smoking in pregnancy contract where we are commissioned to see pregnant ladies and support them through their quit attempt.
How are we funded?
We are commissioned by Public Health within Walsall Council. We are in a payment by results tariff scheme so we get paid a set amount for 4 week quits and 12 week quits.
What we offer partners:
Our 2017-18 local contract now offers a payment of £20 for each 4 week quit and a further £35 for each 12 week quit. There is also an extra payment for pharmacies own patients (who they are supporting) to be paid for those who quit at 4/12 weeks with Champix.
In order to continue delivering in 2017-18, we have had to tighten our prescribing of NRT ‘rules’. This means all NRT given is monitored and only specified amounts (in the contract) will be reimbursed.
Each partner must sign a local contract and staff who will deliver the service must attend a 2 day training course as a minimum requirement and annual updates thereafter.
How are NRT Vouchers Reimbursed?
At the end of each month, pharmacies complete a claim form listing all vouchers and NRT dispensed for own clients or other partners clients. This is sent along with the vouchers claimed for to: Stop Smoking Service, Darlaston Health Centre, Pinfold Street, Darlaston, WS10 8SY and payment is processed.
How you become a partner?
For enquiries or for a copy of the local contract to become a partner, please call 01922 270477 or email: OR