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June 2008
Mike Smith P3 Column - Action please!
So we have Darzi, Galbraith, the White Paper the Clarke
report. What will happen next? Will we at last see all of these fine words
resulting in some perceptible action?
You have probably gathered that I am a bit of a cynic about reviews, reports and
meetings, as to me they seem an ideal way of delaying things when you are not
to sure what to do next. As a veteran of years of meetings it seems to me that
although many are very focused and productive others are just a way of wasting
time.
For the future of patients and the communities we serve, the last thing we need
is another session of re-arranging the deck chairs on the Titanic, and we all
know what happened there! I can’t understand why there isn’t more financial
detail around the new services envisaged in the White Paper? It strikes me as a
good piece of work from strategic thinkers, but nowhere do I see basic
financial projections that are needed for the development of our pharmacies.
There is a pledge from the DH that it will work with the PSNC and NHS with a
full renegotiation of the pharmacy contract, but what do we do while this takes
place? Yet again the weak link seems to be the engagement between PCTs and
pharmacy. PCTs have undergone enormous change in the last couple of years and
this may be the reason, but things MUST change, and they must change quickly.
The announcement of the appointment of two new clinical directors to give more
support for pharmacy and more direction for PCTs is welcome, as long as they
are effective and do not simply increase the numbers of administrators that
burden the NHS.
I am also concerned that the DH expects control of entry regulations to “fall
away in time” as PCTs develop experience in commissioning. Frankly this is so
vague that coupled with 100 hour pharmacies, polyclinics and the expanding
supermarket sector it can give pharmacists little confidence about investing
for the future.
On a bright note I am pleased to see that Birmingham PCT is putting £500k of
Category M savings back into services. Other PCTs please take note! I’m also
heartened by the introduction of enhanced services for long-term conditions and
sexual health. (not unlike the GP model). It is vital, however, that this is
linked to a pharmacy tariff of benchmark prices for these services. Only then
can pharmacists properly plan for their introduction.
I must close by mentioning the Pharmaceutical Society of which I have been a
proud member for over 40 years. I have the impression that Lambeth is creating
an organisation for the benefit of the staff and not the members. Despite
radical changes proposed I see little progress in the development of a
voluntary professional body that for me is in danger of becoming marginalised.
I’m sad to say that on the many occasions that I have visited the Society I
have not felt particularly welcome. Surely a little effort could be made?
Finally I wish to place on record my thanks to Hemant Patel. I have not always
agreed with Hemant but he has given our profession 15 years of unwavering
service. His passion and commitment for our profession cannot be questioned.
Thank you Hemant.
I write these columns from the heart, in the hope that they will generate some
serious debate about the future of our profession, and if you would like to
join this debate why not come along to the UniChem Convention in Oman? I can
guarantee you lively and challenging sessions and there are still a few places
left.
As ever don’t forget to take time out from our demanding work. Enjoy the summer!
Mike Smith
mike.h.smith@unichem.co.uk
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