* Can I provide MURs from somewhere outside the pharmacy?
Yes, but it’s not a simple process. Your PCT can give consent for MURs to be conducted outside the pharmacy premises, but the location has to be specified (for example, a specific room at the local GP surgery, a care home, a patient’s own home). As with the process that has to be followed to accredit pharmacy premises, you’ll need to apply to your PCT in writing to do this. The PCT may have its own form, but if not, download the PSNC form here.

* Can I provide MURs over the telephone?
Yes, but only if your PCT has given permission for you to do this. This approval will only be granted if you can say which patient it is for, and when you will be conducting the MUR. Remember, just because the patient is on the end of the telephone doesn’t mean that they forfeit their right to privacy, so make sure you will be able to call them from somewhere that people won’t be able to overhear your conversation before you apply to the PCT.

* My pharmacy isn’t yet providing all the services deemed “essential” under the new contract. Can I provide an MUR service?
Sorry, but no. A pharmacy has to be providing all essential services operating locally before embarking on any advanced services. This includes repeat dispensing.

* Can I just chat to a patient when I hand them their prescription and log it as an MUR?
No, sorry. MURs can only be provided from a consultation area. It’s one of the service requirements.

* Do I have to consider all a patient’s medications when I do an MUR, or can I just look at the ones that are causing them problems, or I think are an issue?
Again, no, you have to look at all a patient’s drugs. It’s one of the service requirements that the review is comprehensive.

* My local GP has said he doesn’t want me doing MURs for his patients. Can he stop me?
No, he can’t. Does he understand what the MUR service is? Some GPs may consider it criticism of their prescribing if they start receiving MUR forms without any prior explanation. But a GP cannot prevent a patient having an MUR.

* I’m doing MURs but am not sure that the GPs are acting on my recommendations. What can I do?
Why not ask for feedback? This may be easier done over the phone rather than by asking your local GPs to fill out a form.

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