EXCLUSIVE

C+D has drafted a template letter for pharmacists aware of local GPs discouraging patients from using England's national pharmacy flu service.

The letter explains to the GP that the sector has a role to play in vaccinating patients who may not attend an appointment at the practice, and highlights that GP organisations agree that patients should be free to decide where they receive their flu jab.

C+D created the letter in response to evidence it has received of certain GP practices deterring patients from being vaccinated in a pharmacy. These include a Doncaster practice that messaged its patients saying that getting vaccinated elsewhere “puts NHS money into private companies”. 

NHS England told C+D on Tuesday (October 13) that it will not comment on individual cases, but pledged to take “appropriate action where necessary and when information is passed onto us through official procedures”. The Pharmaceutical Services Negotiating Committee (PSNC) has advised contractors to raise any concerns they have with the practice manager and their local pharmaceutical committee. 

Download a copy of the letter here.

 

Do you have evidence that a GP practice is discouraging patients from using the pharmacy flu service?

 

We want to hear your views, but please express them in the spirit of a constructive, professional debate. For more information about what this means, please click here to see our community principles and information