Pharmacy Voice lays out government demands

Pharmacy Voice has published a list of demands it feels the government must achieve before the start of the summer recess later this month.

The organisation, which is made up of community pharmacy bodies the National Pharmacy Association, the Company Chemists' Association and the Association of Independent Multiple Pharmacies, unveiled six issues that it feels are "must-dos".

Top of the list is bringing an end to the uncertainty over the new system for market entry, while NHS Prescription Services should be told to improve or undergo a major overhaul.

Discussions on the fact that pharmacists can face criminal sanctions for making an honest mistake should move forward and a firm commitment must be made to ensuring pharmacists are represented in the emerging commissioning structure, the organisation said.

In addition, it stated that an explicit response is needed to calls for a firm 24-hour obligation on the supply of medicines to pharmacies, while the NHS Commissioning Board should be reminded that the government is keen for pharmacists to be involved in commissioning decisions.

"There are many urgent matters on the community pharmacy to-do list that need sorting out before the summer wind down," commented Pharmacy Voice chief executive Rob Darracott.