HC Deb 10 April 2003 vol 403 cc377-8W
Chris Grayling

To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many pharmacists have received grant aid to install consultation areas in their premises. [107755]

Mr. Lammy

In general, the provision of consultation areas in pharmacies is primarily a commercial decision for the contractor concerned. Local national health service bodies may have made grants available, but no details are held centrally.

As part of a research project where community pharmacists provide a structured service reviewing medication for patients with coronary heart disease, the Department has provided funding of between £900 and £1,500 towards the costs of providing or improving such areas to five out of 60 participating pharmacies.

We are examining with the pharmaceutical services negotiating committee and the NHS Confederation how premises standards generally and the provision of

health awareness courses are not run from the Department. Details of any such courses which might be run within the national health service are not held centrally.

consultation areas can best be reflected within the new national contractual framework for community pharmacy.