North East London Local Pharmaceutical Committee

Competency 2: Work collaboratively with community partners to commission services that optimise health gains and reduce health inequalities.

Activity:

*Creation of PNA

LPC Comments:

*The PCT misses Level 2 standard by a small margin as LMC and pharmacy user agreement is still lacking. But we have side stepped them and done a GP survey of over 70 GPs who were very supportive (as discussed at PNA meeting LPC attended). The LMC has to agree and will
*There is a need to involve the local authority but is in the action plan
*Evidence of cross-border needs and services should be furnished.
*PNA process was seen as good process.
*There is no agreed definition of ‘Pharmaceutical needs’.
*The PNA is a very important piece of work that, if carried out as per national guidance , will help the PCT achieve higher levels in future years, We hope it will be adequately resourced and used as the basis for commissioning decisions.

LPC Scoring: Level 1

*But will move to Level 2 soon.
*We acknowledge the tremendous work carried out under time pressure.
*And CSP & PNA integration should be demonstrable in the early New Year.

Competency 2: Work collaboratively with community partners to commission services that optimise health gains and reduce health inequalities.

Activity:

*Ability to conduct constructive partnerships
*The PCT shares its ambition with key partners, including local government, healthcare providers, and third sector organisations.
*It works collaboratively, and has good relationships with its partners.
*It is innovative.
*There is continuous improvement in service design.


LPC Comments:

*Early engagement and more transparency in processes can improve relationships with very willing partners.
*Must convince everybody that the exercise is genuine and not designed to tick boxes on a checklist.
*Some members of the staff are rated quite highly because of their openness and helpfulness.
*The PCT is considered to be GP lead.
*There is a gap between the vision and strategy.
*And strategy and commissioning

LPC Scoring: Level 2-3 =2.5

*PNA is under construction & engagement is good in this critical exercise.

*Historically, the partnership with pharmacy has been good.

*Communication needs attention and evidence of Board and Senior Managers engagement would improve the relationship further.

Competency 2:Work collaboratively with community partners to commission services that optimise health gains and reduce health inequalities.

Activity:

*Reputation as an active and effective partner.

LPC Comments:

*Despite various difficulties Level 2 is achieved but more work is needed to solidify the position.
*With change management expertise the progress could be faster.
*Could facilitate dialogue with GPs and PBCs
*Could demonstrate better understanding of operational difficulties of community pharmacists
*Commitment to IT and workforce development needed.

LPC Scoring: Level 2

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