An Expanded Role For Pharmacists In England

JCP Solicitors' Corporate Commercial team here in Wales has been working with a number of Pharmacists in other parts of the UK, in light of some changes that have recently been introduced in England, affecting NHS pharmacies.

Following on from the reforms in 2015, the new Contractual Framework for 2019/20 to 2023/24 came into force on 1 October 2019 affecting NHS pharmacies across England. The Contractual Framework for NHS pharmacies in Wales is different and pharmacies here currently have to complete the local health board's audit by 31 March 2020. After this date we expect a review to be carried out.

What are the changes in England?

• A new national NHS Community Pharmacist Consultation Service aims to connect individuals with minor illnesses directly with a community pharmacist in the first instance
• A commitment from NHS England to develop the current reimbursement arrangements which aim to improve the overall cash flow of pharmacies
• The introduction of funding for Hepatitis C testing for those individuals using needle and syringe programmes
• The introduction of testing various prevention and detection services through the use of PhIF and PCN Testbed programmes
• The introduction of a medicine reconciliation service to assist patients who are discharged back into the community

How will this affect my pharmacy in England?

• Pharmacy staff must be permitted to send and receive NHS correspondence via a NHS mailbox, which must have at least two active linked accounts at the premises
• The pharmacy's NHS website must be frequently updated to accurately reflect the opening hours, services and facilities of the pharmacy
• The pharmacy must have an up-to-date risk review available
• 80 percent of the pharmacy's professionals must:

1. Within the last 2 years, have obtained a level 2 safeguarding accreditation for children and vulnerable adults
2. Have completed the CPPE Risk Management training and assessment
3. Have completed the CPPE sepsis online training and assessment
4. Have completed the CPPE reducing look a-like sound a-like errors e-learning and assessment

The Contractual Framework promises to provide pharmacies across England with more stability across the next 5 years to assist them in making long term business plans.

The Contractual Framework for NHS pharmacies in Wales is different and pharmacies here currently have to complete the local health board's audit by 31 March 2020. After this date we expect a review to be carried out. We will keep you updated about the timing and the results of this review, as it unfolds.

For more information or guidance, please contact our team at hello@jcpsolicitors.co.uk or call 03333 208644.