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February 2008
Mike Smith P3 Column – “Strength in numbers”
We are into our second month of 2008 and it already looks
like this year is going to be another fast paced one for pharmacy. One headline
that I see reoccurring is the planned devolution of funding for pharmacy, and I
am keen to dig deeper as to what exactly this will mean in reality for
pharmacy, and what we can do in practice, to ensure that we do not miss out.
We are all very aware that the engagement of Primary Care Organisations with
pharmacy is, by all accounts patchy. Referring back my column last month, if as
much as 50% of our remuneration is being devolved to local level then we really
do need to start ‘kicking some doors down’ and making sure that local
commissioning works for pharmacy, as the Department of Health insists it will.
But what exactly does this mean in practice? Getting PCO engagement in some
areas will be a real challenge – this is a fact. Add to this the other
significant priorities that pharmacists have, and the prospect, for example, of
a single independent contractor getting commissioned monies from their PCT
seems to falter. For independents in particular this will be a tough challenge,
but do we really have to take this David and Goliath approach to commissioning?
The old saying ‘strength in numbers’ springs to mind again and what I’m keen to
see much more of in 2008, is contractors in local areas constructively engaging
with each other and working together to share best practice and
determine exactly what healthcare services their local communities need. If
they can link this to the PCOs’ local development plans (which set out their
priorities) and, dare I say it, pharmaceutical needs assessments, a properly
defined wish list can be put in place. I then see absolutely no reason why
pharmacists in a local area can not put a joint case to their PCO and come up
with some solid proposals for targeted services, that they can demonstrate will
be of particular value to their local communities.
This was a key topic of discussion at the last round of UniChem Customer Forums
and once again it is clear that there is some divergence across the home
countries. In Scotland funding for services is agreed and measured nationally,
while in England and Wales relationships need to be developed and strengthened
at a local level. Wales have their own nationally agreed rates for enhanced
services; however the rest of us need guidance from the PSNC and others not to
sell ourselves short. One thing that did become very clear is that independent
pharmacists in particular know their community and know exactly what their
needs are. Use this to your advantage and use the knowledge and strengths of
your peers to add weight to your case with the PCOs.
The UniChem Professional Services team can also support you in your efforts and
are keen to hear from pharmacists who have some good ideas for service
initiatives in their local area. The Professional Services team are there to
help you draw the attention of your PCO and can also engage with Pharma Cos who
are keen to support pharmacy services, and work with UniChem to facilitate
relevant service initiatives. The Professional Services team have already had
some great successes in 2007 with initiatives in Coventry and Dorset and are
keen to build on these achievements. But what they need is the knowledge that
you and other pharmacists have of your local area, as well as your skills as a
pharmacist to get an audience with your PCT.
We stand a far greater chance of success if we work together to fight our
corner. So make sure you are playing your full part within your local
healthcare network.
mike.h.smith@unichem.co.uk
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