Source · Select Committees · Health and Social Care Committee
Third Report - Pharmacy
Health and Social Care Committee
HC 140
Published 29 May 2024
Recommendations
6
Acknowledged
Para 50
Update regulations to allow pharmacists to make dose and formulation substitutions for out-of-stock medicines.
Recommendation
We recommend that regulations are updated within three months to allow pharmacists in community settings to make dose and formulation substitutions for out-of-stock items, subject to the safeguards set out in the Royal Pharmaceutical Society’s Medicines Shortage Policy.
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Government Response Summary
The government acknowledges the complexity of medicine supply and states it is taking actions to improve management, but does not commit to updating regulations within three months for pharmacist substitutions, instead stating it will keep the idea of an independent review under consideration.
Department of Health and Social Care
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12
Acknowledged
Para 83
Publish a long-term vision for expanding clinical services and roles within community pharmacies.
Recommendation
We recommend that the Government and NHS England publish a long-term vision for the further development of clinical services in community pharmacy settings within one year. This vision should: a) include consideration of examples of success within locally commissioned services, …
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Government Response Summary
The government outlines ongoing efforts to roll out digital capabilities for Pharmacy First and commits to ongoing monitoring and evaluation of the service via an NIHR study, but does not provide a comprehensive long-term vision for expanded clinical services with specific timeframes or funding commitments.
Department of Health and Social Care
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13
Acknowledged
Para 84
Commission community pharmacies to provide HIV-prevention PrEP and all routine adult and child immunisations.
Recommendation
In the shorter term, and in light of the large body of evidence and long-running calls for these services to be offered in community pharmacy settings, we recommend that NHS England commissions community pharmacies to provide the HIV-prevention medication PrEP …
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Government Response Summary
The government will consider the recommendation to commission community pharmacies for PrEP and immunisations as part of developing a 10-Year Health Plan focused on technology and digital transformation.
Department of Health and Social Care
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Conclusions (2)
1
Conclusion
Acknowledged
Para 19
There is clearly something wrong if the funding that pharmacies receive from the NHS does not cover medicine costs, given their core function of dispensing medicines. The Community Pharmacy Contractual Framework is evidently not fit for purpose. It is overly complex and has contributed to the financial pressures that pharmacies …
Government Response Summary
The government acknowledged the need for reform and stated it is committed to working with the sector. NHS England is currently undertaking an economic analysis of the community pharmacy sector, which will inform future proposals for funding and contractual arrangements.
3
Conclusion
Acknowledged
Para 47
Tackling medicine shortages is another vital component in securing the ability of pharmacy to meet its future potential. Medicine shortages cannot be ignored and left to become the norm. The wider implications of medicine shortages for the long- term potential of community pharmacy to take on more clinical work are …
Government Response Summary
The government acknowledges the need for flexibility in dispensing alternative medications and is currently examining options with stakeholders to assess appropriateness and risk management, but provides no specific commitment or timeline for implementing changes.