Source · Select Committees · Health and Social Care Committee
Recommendation 2
2
Deferred
Overhaul the Community Pharmacy Contractual Framework to address funding gaps and reduce complexity.
Recommendation
We recommend that the Community Pharmacy Contractual Framework (CPCF) is completely overhauled, in close consultation with the community pharmacy sector. Any new framework must: a) close the gap in funding that community pharmacy has experienced over the course of the current CPCF; b) focus on reducing complexity and ensure pharmacy owners can clearly understand and predict their cash flow, including de-risking the purchasing price of medicines; c) ensure funding is explicitly available for both dispensing services and clinical services, to avoid the current situation where one activity pays for another, to the detriment of both d) include the capacity for flexibility in the event of increased demand, greater activity or inflationary pressures, for example through indexation. (Paragraph 20) Medicine Shortages
Government response summary AI-generated
The government's response focused on Serious Shortage Protocols (SSPs) as a tool to manage medicine shortages, explaining their use and stating that the policy will continue to be kept under review. It did not address the recommendation to completely overhaul the Community Pharmacy Contractual Framework.
Summary of the government's response below — read the verbatim text to verify.
Government Response
Deferred
HM Government · verbatim extract
Deferred
The Committee raises an important point which the Government will take under consideration. The Darzi review acknowledged the challenges faced by community pharmacies regarding funding and closures. It also identified the potential for a step change in the clinical role of pharmacists within the NHS such as in the treatment of common conditions. This Government inherited a system that has been neglected for too long making it difficult for pharmacists to deliver for patients. I am committed to working with the sector to achieve what we all want – a service fit for the future. NHS England are currently undertaking an economic analysis of the sector. This will inform future proposals for funding and contractual arrangements. The Government notes the Committee’s recommendations on the complexity of current arrangements and will take these into consideration in developing any future proposals for consultation with Community Pharmacy England. Further, the outcome of the engagement on the 10 Year Health Plan will be central to the Government’s health mission to fix the NHS, including making pharmacy services fit for the future. Medicine shortages
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