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Essential Pharmacy owners need to check small print

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Essential Pharmacy owners need to check small print

Essential Small Pharmacies are being warned not to sign up to new arrangements until they have read the small print thoroughly.

“Such a step is not to be undertaken lightly, since we are talking about the future sustainability and development of vital community services,” said NPA chairman, Ian Strachan.

A group of 15 Essential Small Pharmacy owners met at the NPA recently to share experiences about the uncertainty which their pharmacies currently face.

“We are very concerned at the manner in which new contractual arrangements have been handled by NHS England and we will be making our disquiet clear at senior levels, through Pharmacy Voice,” said Mr Strachan.

After long delays, several NHS England regional teams are now making proposals for contracts that will to continue ESP services for a limited time in certain areas. Graham Phillips, owner of Manor Pharmacy group in Hertfordshire whose Elstree branch is an ESP, said: “The NHS needs to decide whether it is all about a green paper chase or, as we keep being told, is it all about adding value to the communities we serve. If it is the latter then why would the NHS want to lose Essential Small Pharmacies?”

“I am pleased to see the NPA supporting this vulnerable group of contractors. None of us is as strong as all of us, so I would encourage all ESP contractors to share their experiences with the NPA. By working together we have the best chance of saving essential pharmacy services.”

NPA members affected by the withdrawal of the national Essential Small Pharmacy LPS scheme can access a range of resources on the NPA website.

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