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Pharmacy Voice says politics must not crowd out fundamentals of NHS reform

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Responding to the Prime Minister’s statement today that there will be substantive changes to the NHS reforms proposed by his Health Secretary, Pharmacy Voice has warned that short term political considerations must not crowd out fundamental issues of quality, access and value for money.

Pharmacy Voice chief executive, Rob Darracott, said:

“There is a risk that in the hurry to remove the more politically toxic proposals, the Government will overlook elements that are fundamental to quality healthcare and the sustainability of any new NHS structures.

“In particular, there must be rigorous accountability in new NHS structures, and genuinely inclusive decision-making.  You mustn’t transfer enormous amounts of public funds without proper governance lining up.  People need to know when and by whom decisions are being taken, in order to have the opportunity to bring their perspective to the right table at the right time.  Good governance might not have the sex appeal of arguments about privatisation, but it is of vital importance.

“We are pleased that the Prime Minister restated today that health professionals other than GPs and nurses will have a role in influencing commissioning in order to integrate care effectively.  We will hold him to this commitment.”

In a formal response to the Working Together for a Stronger NHS consultation, Pharmacy Voice has called for

  • Rigorous accountability within any new structures, so that the public can be assured of high quality care and value for money
  • The proper balance of national and local action.  Whilst a degree of local customisation is desirable, the government must take responsibility for ensuring universal access to critical services
  • The role of community pharmacy in achieving better medicines use, improving access to care, and public health
  • Community pharmacy to be represented and consulted throughout the new commissioning system
  • investment and forward momentum on the NHS frontline during the transition period

Speaking at Ealing Hospital this morning, the Prime Minister said that the government remains determined to modernise the NHS, but that the changes would be "evolutionary, not revolutionary".  He promised not to pre-empt the outcome of the nationwide listening exercise launched by ministers in April.

A formal NHS Future Forum listening exercise will take place at the National Pharmacy Association conference in Birmingham on 22 May. 

Sarah White, press officer 01727 795901 / 07920 203 051

Pharmacy Voice is a trade body representing the vast majority of UK pharmacy ownersThe members of Pharmacy Voice are the National Pharmacy Association (NPA), the Company Chemists’ Association (CCA) and the Association of Independent Multiple Pharmacies (AIMp).