EXCLUSIVE

NHS England’s review of pharmacy services could redistribute commissioning power across the sector, the Pharmacists' Defence Association (PDA) has said.

The wide-ranging review, scheduled to begin this month, “could work in favour of the profession”, PDA chair Mark Koziol told C+D in an exclusive interview earlier this month.

NHS England said the review, due to start later this month, was requested by England's chief pharmaceutical officer Keith Ridge to advise him on how clinical services can be “modernised” to ensure pharmacy meets the “changing shape and demands of healthcare”.

Mr Koziol told C+D that the review “might help to underpin professionalism”. “Some commissioning might move towards pharmacists and group practices of pharmacists,” he said in a C+D podcast recorded on May 12.

A second take on how pharmacy works

The review offers a “second take” on “how community pharmacy works”, Mr Koziol said. The PDA will use the review to reemphasise its strategy for “individual pharmacists to have a greater say in how services are provided”.

“We’re not saying, ‘forget bricks-and mortar contractors and switch it all to pharmacists’. We’re saying that both of these vehicles have a role in the new health service,” he said.

“We’re the only voice that’s articulating that because why would turkeys vote for Christmas?” he added. 

NHS England told C+D earlier this month that it has not ruled out reviewing medicines use review (MUR) and new medicine service (NMS) fees as part of its review.

You can listen to C+D's full interview with Mr Koziol in the podcast below:

Do you agree with Mr Koziol?

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