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31 October 2011
PSNC has welcomed the publication of a consultation on the NHS (Pharmaceutical Services) Regulations 2012, which will introduce the Pharmaceutical Needs Assessment (PNA) as the basis for decisions on market entry.
The regulations, published for consultation today by the Department of Health, will see the PNA based test replace the current ‘necessary or expedient test’ and remove the need for three of the exemptions from the control of entry test, including the 100 hours exemption.
PSNC Chief Executive Sue Sharpe said, “PSNC has pressed for urgent action on this issue, and is pleased that the Pharmaceutical Needs Assessment (PNA) is proposed as the yardstick for applications to open new pharmacies. We have strongly supported a planned pharmacy service based on the PNA. We believe a planned service works better for patients, saves money for the NHS, and offers clarity to pharmacy owners.
“The decision following this consultation must end the uncertainty on market entry that has loomed large over pharmacy and hampered investment confidence. In recent years we have seen a great many 100 hour pharmacies opening, with applications still coming in. Where several applications have been made in areas where the additional pharmacies do not provide greater accessibility to pharmaceutical services, this does not make best use of NHS resources.
PSNC Head of Regulation Steve Lutener said, “Pharmacists will breathe a collective sigh of relief when these proposals are taken forward. As an issue, market entry has dogged the sector for too long. The regulations contained in this consultation are the only sensible way forward on market entry.”