The All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Pharmacy has submitted its official response to the Department of Health and Social Care’s consultation on enabling pharmacist flexibilities when dispensing medicines.
The APPG welcomes proposals that would allow pharmacists to use their professional judgement to supply alternative strengths or formulations when the original prescription is unavailable – helping patients receive medicines without unnecessary delays, reducing pressure on prescribers, and making better use of pharmacists’ clinical expertise.
Evidence gathered by the APPG earlier this year as part of its inquiry into medicines shortages shows the scale of pressure caused by medicines shortages, with pharmacy teams spending increasing time sourcing alternatives and supporting patients. The APPG’s response urges practical, patient centred reforms with clear safeguards, efficient digital systems, and fair remuneration for the additional responsibilities pharmacists will take on.
Sadik Al-Hassan MP, Chair of the APPG on Pharmacy, said:
“We all know that giving pharmacists flexibility in choice saves time for the system, but it has to be reimbursed for the cost of doing so. There is not enough fat in pharmacy to take on more work without fair pay for it. This is a tool that the NHS needs pharmacists to have but we also need the resources to use it.”