PDA members have raised concerns about how they can comply with their professional responsibilities towards patients when faced with the demand for Pharmacy First consultations to be delivered, alongside an already overstretched pharmacy service.
Subsequently, and following a survey in which 3,500 pharmacists expressed their reservations, the PDA met with NHS England and DHSC officials showing the results and asking that the launch of this service be made more gradual, allowing more of the workforce to get prepared. However, this request was refused.
A separate communication has been sent to PDA members outlining how they should now engage with their local MPs, but what else can be done?
It is important to remember that operating the Pharmacy First Service is at the sole discretion of the Responsible Pharmacist (RP) on the day, as the Medicines Act places a legal duty on the Responsible Pharmacist to secure the safe and effective running of the pharmacy.
The pharmacy owner is also required under the legislation to enable the Responsible Pharmacist to exercise his/her professional judgement, as appropriate, in relation to the safe and effective running of the pharmacy concerned.
The Pharmacy First Service is an important step towards realising the potential of pharmacists to provide improved care and access for patients, using their unique skills. However, delivery of a safe and effective service relies upon:
- The pharmacist and other team members being trained and competent to provide the service being offered.
- Sufficient resources to support the Pharmacy First Service, without compromising the delivery of Essential Services and safe care for other patients.
Pharmacists are well used to exercising their professional judgment in difficult situations to balance competing priorities and maintain safe care for patients.
Key priorities are to protect patients and to make optimal use of available resources. In suboptimal environments, particularly where staffing levels are depleted all tasks should be reviewed for immediate necessity and prioritised. This may include making difficult choices about what new services to provide and which existing ones to continue to operate and which to suspend.
If the RP decides that the pharmacy is unable to safely deliver the Pharmacy First Service at any time, their reasons should be documented and patients signposted elsewhere, until the issues have been resolved.
To encourage take up, pharmacies are incentivised to participate in the service with pharmacy business owners who meet a minimum activity threshold of clinical pathways consultations receiving a monthly payment. The threshold activity rises to 30 consultations per month by October 2024.
Due to a promotional campaign and NHS referrals, the service has the potential to be very popular with the public and pharmacy owners will naturally be keen to ensure maximum take up. Company managers and pharmacy superintendents however should be mindful of the GPhC Standards which state:
“Pharmacists must consider and manage appropriately any personal or organisational goals, incentives or targets and make sure the care they provide reflects the needs of the person”.
Learn more
- Results of PDA’s Pharmacy First survey
- PDA welcomes the Pharmacy First service and calls for a second pharmacist in the pharmacy
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