§ Mr. McWalterTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what studies he has commissioned into the role of pharmacists in the National Health Service. [48231]
§ Mr. Milburn[holding answer 1 July 1998]A number of pilot projects have been funded by the Department to appraise the value to the National Health Service of community pharmacists providing a wider range of services. There were 17 pilots on prescribing advice during 1995–96 there are currently six pilot projects on repeat and instalment dispensing (whereby patients receive certain medicines dispensed in instalments) and a further six pilot projects evaluating services to help various patient groups to obtain best outcomes from their medicines. In addition, the Department has commissioned specific pieces of research relevant to the role of community pharmacists from university departments. The results will inform decisions on which if any of these services proceed to implementation.
We propose to publish a document in the autumn setting out proposals for the future role of community pharmacy within the NHS.