§ 30. Mr. Galleyasked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether he is satisfied that the new contract drawn up between the Government and the Pharmaceutical Services Negotiating Committee will lead to a better service; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Kenneth ClarkeYes, we are confident that the new contract for NHS community pharmacists which has been negotiated between the Government and the pharmaceutical services negotiating committee will lead to a better service for the public and satisfy the interests of the profession and the taxpayer. It will enable the National Health Service to make the best possible use of pharmacy. We also believe that the new contract represents a firm foundation on which the practice of pharmacy in the National Health Service can be developed.
The main features of the new contracts are:
- a remuneration structure that will provide better incentives to efficient and cost-effective pharmacy in the National Health Service;
- a system of annual negotiations and annual cost inquiries and a fixed settlement date of 1 April each year;
- new arrangements under which family practitioner committees will only admit new contractors where the public and the service would benefit from the extra services;
- improved help to essential small pharmacies in rural areas; the basis for developments in the professional role of pharmacies following discussion of the report of the Nuffield inquiry which is expected later this year.