PSNC defends NMS negotiation tactics

It is interesting to see just how polarising something like the NMS is to Pharmacy.

The multiples may be enthusiastic for its revenue potential and their corporate strategies.

It also may or may not represent the sort of direction Pharmacy is or should be heading…..that is up for debate.

I do not think however the PSNC has listened at all to grassroot (mostly employee) pharmacists who will have to perform and manage the service. It is hard to see any of these pharmacists enthusing over the NMS with the administrative burden, increased workload and the pressures to meet enforced numerical “targets” that it will bring with its introduction. What will they get out of the NMS apart from a “warm, fuzzy glow” for helping a patient.?

Am I the only pharmacist concerned with the performance of the PSNC and left wondering just who they are negotiating for?

Regards.

Clive.

psnc are useless. they never get adequate remuneration. how they allow a loss on every ensure plus script amazes me. when i entered pharmacy in 1971 they were negotiating for broken bulk on dressings. i wonder when i retire if they will have finished negotiating and have a positive result.. we need stronger negotiators and their pay should be based on results as decided by us. we lose out and they are paid regardless. if we lose they should suffer some of the pain as well!!!!!!

I agreee with Clive in all he has said. What I would like to add is what exactly were these discussions that the PSNC had to gague "input". Did the community pharmacists approached realise the huge burden of paperwork or the crazy payment schedule?

having just dispensed a single Scholl stocking and made a loss by doing so as I can't claim bulk ( as I have often had to do over the last 25 years or so) forgive me if I am somewhat disbelieving of PSNC efforts on my behalf !

you might see it done before you retire but dont bet on it.

The crazy payment schedule is what bothers me most. Based on items, our pharmacy could carry out 560 NMS over the next 18 months and never receive a penny. Exactly which 'grassroots pharmacists' thought that would be fair remuneration for such a valuable service? However, as I have said before, it would be great value for the NHS...
As for us, it's the same old same old; damned if we do, damned if we dont.

i wonder how many grass root pharmacists consulted by PSNC were actually independent.i suspect a few handful .i feel that the PSNC should have had a thorough consultation with all parties particularly the single independent pharmacists and not rush to agree with doh for 1st of october.this is an important enhanced service and cannot be discussed within a limited time.

Who are these grass root pharmacists ??? Employed, Selfemployed or Just eating grass and roots (because of the cuts) ??? And when did PSNC contact them?? I think, I am a grass root pharmacist too. I am a vegi and I do eat grass and root, and also I worry about the payments the pharmacies get. I was not contacted.

It is nothing but a ploy to get a free service from a pharmacist and put the pharmacist under some more pressure. This way the pharmacists will never ask for more. Is that what it is ??? I wonder, the role of PSNC for the pharmacists or for the NHS ???