RPS comments on GP contract news

Responding to news that the Government and NHS England have committed at an additional £1.5 billion for general practice over the next four years for additional staff, RPS England Board Chair Claire Anderson said:

“The additional reimbursement for pharmacists and pharmacy technicians shows how important they will be to helping Primary Care Networks deliver better and safer care for patients.

“The RPS had recommended a phased approach to Structured Medication Reviews and the new contract now recognises that delivering them will be linked to pharmacist capacity. We hope the 100% reimbursement will encourage PCNs to recruit into these new roles. The NHS should also consider community pharmacy’s contribution to supporting medicines optimisation and how PCNs can better collaborate across the whole of primary care.

“PCNs will only be able to move as quickly as the workforce grows and develops, so it’s vital the Government invests in education, training and recruitment of pharmacists.”

“With a potential expansion of the Community Pharmacist Consultation Service, we also look forward to further discussions with the NHS, government and colleagues in the profession on making the most of pharmacy to support patient care.”