What's Happening?
The Health and Social Care Committee has called on the government to improve working conditions for community pharmacists to ensure the success of the neighbourhood health service. In a letter to Health Minister Karin Smyth, Layla Moran, chair of the committee,
emphasized that the NHS's ten-year workforce plan must address issues such as lower pay, limited career progression, and inadequate training in the community sector. The committee highlighted that these factors make the community sector less attractive compared to acute settings, potentially hindering the shift towards neighbourhood health. The letter follows a workforce evidence session where witnesses noted the lower status and negative perceptions of community roles, as well as the lack of protected professional development opportunities.
Why It's Important?
Improving conditions for community pharmacists is crucial for the successful implementation of the neighbourhood health service, which aims to provide more localized and accessible healthcare. The current disparities in pay and career opportunities between community and acute settings could lead to staffing shortages and reduced effectiveness in community healthcare delivery. By addressing these issues, the government can ensure that pharmacists are better equipped to meet population needs and utilize their full range of skills, including prescribing. This could lead to enhanced job satisfaction and retention, ultimately benefiting patient care and the overall healthcare system.
What's Next?
The NHS ten-year workforce plan is expected to include proposals to make the community sector more appealing for healthcare professionals. This may involve creating dedicated training and support programs for allied healthcare professionals, enabling them to develop leadership skills and advance their careers. Additionally, legislative changes allowing pharmacists to authorize pharmacy technicians for certain tasks are set to take effect, potentially easing some workload pressures. The government is also encouraged to work with the sector to commission new services that leverage pharmacists' enhanced skills, particularly in prescribing.
