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6/16/2011
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Independent Pharmacy Federation relaunches to bolster sector
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The IPF relaunch at the House of Commons
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Community pharmacists fearing they may be marginalised as they jostle for a prominent role in the NHS were given fresh hope with the relaunch of the Independent Pharmacy Federation.
The event, which took place at the House of Commons yesterday, was attended by heads of pharmacy bodies, GPs, politicians and manufacturers. Its relaunch, following its original formation in 2006, marks a strong a statement of intent given that it now boasts a political punch, with Labour MP Claire Ward at the helm as the body's new chief executive.
“It's a difficult time for community pharmacists. At first (the IPF) didn't have the organisational support or funding to do what we wanted to do for community pharmacists. We wanted to get together to relaunch the IPF with that organisation,” she said. “We want to ensure there's an exclusive and stronger voice for independent pharmacy.”
IPF chairman Fin McCaul added: “We've been considering how to secure clinical input at all levels (for pharmacists). We are almost a dying breed. We were once 80% of the sector. Now, we are down to 40%. What we're passionate about is working collaboratively to improve outcomes for patients. Independents have provided innovation in the past and we continue to promote that.”
Financial backing for the IPF is crucial for the body to function effectively and, at the time of the event, Sigma Pharmaceuticals managing director, Bharat Shah, revealed that three companies had pledged funding – Sigma, Crescent Pharma and Genus Pharmaceuticals.
He was, however, concerned that much is still to be done for pharmacy to gain the recognition it deserves. “We're not even recognised as important enough to be on GP consortia,” he said. “We lobbied to change the name of GP consortia. It gives the impression it's a club for doctors.”
The IPF also revealed in a survey that a staggering 98% of independent pharmacists do not believe that the current structure of GP consortia provide the scope to maximise pharmacy's skills in a reformed NHS.
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