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Awards
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10/31/2011
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Pharmacy is "integral to plans to modernise the NHS," Lord Howe tells Pharmacy Business Awards
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Lord Howe, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State and Pharmacy Business chief guest.
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Lord Howe, the Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Quality at the Department of Health, told the 2011 Pharmacy Business Awards that the Government regards pharmacy as “integral to every aspect of our plans to modernise the NHS.”
A packed audience of community pharmacists, drug company executives and other health stakeholders gathered at the Park Plaza Hotel in London last night to hear about the Coalition's plans to place pharmacy at the heart of its health restructuring under the Health and Social Care Bill, which is currently making its way through the House of Lords.
Despite Lord Howe's promise to include pharmacy, there was a warning that the profession will not be assured of a key role as of right and will have to earn prominence. However, he gave pharmacy another vote of confidence, albeit one that pharmacy has heard repeatedly over the last 18 months.
“The government sees pharmacy as integral to every aspect of our plans to modernise the NHS. Whether it’s improving quality and integration, making care more affordable or empowering the public to improve their own health and wellbeing,” the Pharmacy Business Awards chief guest said.
“I want to see pharmacists at the heart of the new commissioning arrangements, helping shape local health and care services for patients. But this is as much a challenge as a promise. Your place is at the centre of the local commissioning debate. You must not let it happen without you. You have to make your voices heard.
“This is your chance to put pharmacy, to put your businesses front and centre in delivering local health and care services. But only if you make the decision to lead and to get fully involved with your partners within your area.
“And let's not forget, there is still some way to go before our reforms are in place. This transition period is an opportunity for pharmacy to make its presence felt.”
Lord Howe insisted that market entry, which has long been contentious in pharmacy circles, would be the responsibility of the NHS Commissioning Board once it comes into power and takes over from PCTs from April 2013. Such decisions, Lord Howe added, would be based on Pharmaceutical Needs Assessments.
“I know many of you have concerns about what will happen to market entry. I can assure you that this matter is very much on my agenda,” he said. “I have looked at the proposals put forward by our Advisory Group and I hope to make further announcements soon.”
Lord Howe also said the Government remained “committed” to the Electronic Prescription Service, adding: “I very much hope we can make further rapid progress on this. Reaping for all the benefits that some are already enjoying in terms of faster processing and better administrative control. I urge you all to fully engage with the implementation so that the Service becomes a reality.”
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