Source · Select Committees · Health and Social Care Committee
Recommendation 30
30
Accepted
Ensure national and ICB workforce planning establishes appropriate skill mix in all pharmacy settings.
Recommendation
We further recommend that any workforce planning, be it at a national or ICB level, should ensure the appropriate and safe and mix of skills in all settings, including hospital wards as highlighted by Dr James Davies of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society. This should include consideration of the need for more than one pharmacist per community pharmacy in relation to the delivery of initiatives such as Pharmacy First. (Paragraph 174) 48 Pharmacy
Government Response Summary
The government accepts the recommendation, stating that a 'one pharmacy workforce approach' will be supported by national and regional coordination, planning, data, and guidance. They are continuing to explore how to best utilise skill sets in community pharmacy for Pharmacy First and future prescribing services.
Government Response
Accepted
HM Government
Accepted
Accept In line with the ICS People Function guidance (Report template – NHSI website (england.nhs.uk)), the role of pharmacy leadership within ICBs is clear. The development of a one pharmacy workforce approach, within the multidisciplinary team across local systems will be supported by national and regional coordination, planning data, and guidance. This is highlighted in the Darzi investigation reinforcing that the pharmacy workforce in general practice are not a substitute for GPs but are part of the whole primary care workforce to expand access. Regional and national coordination and support of the ICB pharmacy workforce function will also mitigate issues relating to the size of the workforces and imbalances of training providers and training places. We are continuing to explore how to best use the skill sets in community pharmacy as we continue to deliver Pharmacy First and look to introduce a pharmacist prescribing service in the future.