02 Mar 2004
On Monday 1st March 2004 Minister of State for Health Rosie Winterton MP received a good reception from stakeholders at the Pharmaceutical Services Negotiating Committee's annual dinner.
Speaking at the dinner Rosie Winterton MP set out the Government's vision for a modern patient centred pharmacy service. The Health Minister welcomed the broad support given to the Government's consultation document 'A Vision for Pharmacy in the New NHS'.
The Minister highlighted the Pharmaceutical Services Negotiating Committee ballot of members last autumn on the outline of the new contractual framework which showed strong support for the negotiations to date.
PSNC warmly welcomes Health Minister, Rosie Winterton's strong expression of support for the new pharmacy contractual framework, made during her keynote speech at PSNC's annual dinner.
Commenting, Chief Executive Sue Sharpe said,
"We are delighted to hear the Government voicing such strong support for the new pharmacy contract. The new framework will make better use of pharmacists' skills, enhance the quality of the service they provide to patients and play a wider part in improving public health. As Minister of State for Health Rosie Winterton MP said, fair funding for providing NHS services is essential if the NHS is really committed to develop these new roles."
Chris Town, Chairman of the Pharmacy Negotiating Committee for the NHS Confederation, said:
"The Minister's statement reinforces the decision of travel for community pharmacy. It confirms that the contract negotiations should produce a solution for Primary Care Trusts and pharmacists to work together ensuring the quality of local services. It also promotes the opportunity to expand the role of community pharmacist to utilise their skills more fully."
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Last reviewed 27 Oct 2006