Pharmacy First : 'Completely unreasonable to penalise pharmacies financially for the NHS’ failure,' says CPE CEO Janet Morrison

Community Pharmacy England CEO Janet Morrison addresses challenges facing Pharmacy First, highlighting concerns over payment thresholds and the need for enhanced public engagement and support from NHS England

In a recent video update, Community Pharmacy England (CPE) CEO Janet Morrison addressed concerns among pharmacy owners regarding the Pharmacy First initiative, and the challenges it faces in achieving its goals, specially monthly payment thresholds.

Morrison highlighted the integral role of Pharmacy First in recognising the community pharmacy sector's significance in primary care:

“Pharmacy First is a critical service for community pharmacy: it is evidence of the growing recognition of the sector’s integral role in primary care, and it is a major clinical service development upon which others can be built."

"Community pharmacies have done an amazing job providing the service, despite the very tight implementation timeline and early battles with IT issues."

Morrison acknowledged the frustration among pharmacy owners regarding the ability to meet the monthly payment thresholds set by NHS England, citing concerns over the effectiveness of public outreach efforts:

“Frustratingly, the ability of pharmacy owners to reach the monthly payment thresholds is a major ongoing concern.

"Pharmacies are reliant on NHS England and the Department to drive people to the service, but following an underwhelming public marketing campaign, we don’t think we are seeing the numbers of walk-ins or referrals needed."

She pointed out that there are still uncertainties to be addressed, including the impact of seasonal fluctuations, and reaffirmed ongoing discussions with NHS England and the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) to find solutions:

“Many questions remain – including about the full impact of seasonality – and we are working through these at pace with the NHS and Department.

"During the original negotiations on Pharmacy First we had to argue very strongly for the upfront and monthly payments and we will continue to stress to the new Government just how critical these payments are.

"It is completely unreasonable to penalise pharmacies financially for the NHS’ failure to drive public and general practice behaviour changes."

Morrison expressed optimism about ongoing negotiations, aiming to enhance the service's success and support:

"Discussions with the Department and NHS England are ongoing, looking to find solutions, as we all share an objective to make the service a success.”