As a first step in engagement and communication with contractors, the community pharmacy review steering group (RSG) has launched a ‘pharmacy review’ website.
The group, made up of representatives from the Association of Independent Multiple Pharmacies, Company Chemists’ Association and independent community pharmacy, was formed to explore the future of community pharmacy representation and support.
Set up in November last year following discussions between the Pharmaceutical Services Negotiating Committee and local pharmaceutical committees about how to take forward the findings of the independent review by Professor David Wright on providing best value for contractors, the group held its first meeting in December.
The group aims to develop proposals to put to contractors, ensuring that those proposals take into account feasibility of delivery, cost, benefits to contractors and timescales.
In a press release issued on Tuesday (Jan 26), the group said a dedicated website is being used to impart key information, such as progress updates and minutes from RSG meetings, to the sector.
Although the website is still being developed, contractors can use it to read meeting minutes and find out more about members and how to contact them.
Sue Killen, convenor of the RSG, said: “The RSG met for the first time in December in what was a productive meeting to consider the Group’s role and to share initial thoughts on the Wright review looking at improving contractor representation and support and how change could be taken forward.
“It is clear that there is a major transformational process for the sector ahead and that this will take many months, overseen by the RSG. The next step for the RSG will be to further refine the scope of this work programme so that we can begin commissioning work and engaging with contractors on the process going forward.
“We will continue to keep contractors updated by holding webinars and through our website.”
