£8million boost for community pharmacy

The funding will support new services, improve premises and support staffing of community pharmacies, particularly in rural and deprived areas.

Speaking in the Assembly Mr Poots said: “This £8m investment will bring the total to be provided to pharmacy contractors in 2011-12 to £91.5 million – some 10% more than the £83.5million provided to date. It includes an additional £4million in recognition of the concerns raised in respect of the vulnerability of pharmacies located in rural and socially deprived areas. I have always been mindful of the Committee and other MLAs’ specific concerns around seeking to preserve services in isolated communities.”

The Minister has asked the Health and Social Care Board to release these funds as soon as possible.

During his speech on the Way Forward for Community Pharmacy, the Minister said: “I met Community Pharmacy Northern Ireland (CPNI) at earliest opportunity after the final order was made in respect of the recent judicial review. There have been several further meetings between representatives of CPNI, my Department and the Health and Social Care Board (HSCB). With my support, a package of measures was offered to CPNI but I regret to say that after consulting with their membership these proposals were rejected.

“We have attempted to stretch as far as we possibly could to reach an accommodation with CPNI in a very difficult context. I can advise that I was willing to endorse other proposals that would have provided substantially more.

“I am profoundly disappointed that agreement could not be secured. Nonetheless, I am determined to find a solution.

“It is clearly highly regrettable that the reimbursement and remuneration of the community pharmacy sector has been drawn into legal action. I want to make clear my commitment to pave a progressive path for community pharmacy services, one that reflects the contemporary pharmaceutical care needs of the population and ensures fair remuneration for the services provided. I have instructed officials to engage as constructively as possible with CPNI in making a difference to the future approach to these issues.

“I have agreed that the most recent judicial review judgement given its potential to impact across all of Government should be subject to appeal but my priority is to seek agreement on a way ahead.”

Referring to Transforming Your Care, a Review of Health and Social Care in Northern Ireland, Mr Poots said pharmacists had an opportunity to strengthen their role in the community in improving medicines management for patients; in minimising waste; and in contributing to avoiding unnecessary hospital admissions.

During his speech, the Minister called on the CPNI to engage with the Department and HSC Board in agreeing a new contract. He said: “I believe that the approach I have set out today provides an important step in the right direction towards a better future for community pharmacy and will provide a foundation for constructive discussions that will maximise the contribution that this group of skilled and dedicated professionals can make to improving the health of the population and providing local, high quality advice and support to patients and the wider community.”