• Registered pharmacists to become prescribers
• Investment will be over several years
• Funds sourced from the Health Insurance Fund
The Minister for Social Security, Deputy Elaine Millar is announcing a £12 million investment in community pharmacies to be made over the next three to four years. This investment has been launched to help pharmacies to develop their services and healthcare.
The complete package of investment includes:
• Funding to employ or train more technicians to support the work of the registered pharmacist
• Budgets to support registered pharmacists to become prescribers
• Development of new pharmacy-based services, to provide advice about medicines and minor ailments
• The package also includes an increase to the fee paid to pharmacies for dispensing medicines
In May, the Minister will also be changing the law so that Islanders can receive prescriptions to cover a longer period. Currently, most medicines can only be prescribed for 30 days before a repeat prescription or GP consultation is required. The change to the period of supply will free time for GP practices and reduce costs and inconvenience for Islanders.
This month, the first part of this package will be rolled out with the aim of helping Islanders who have difficulty taking their prescribed medication, through supplying blister packs, reminder charts and offering advice and GP referrals.
Deputy Elaine Millar said: “I am delighted that we have reached this agreement and are able to launch this package for pharmacies. This investment has been developed in discussion with representatives from the local pharmacies and will be funded by the Health Insurance Fund.
“Community pharmacy makes an essential contribution to our primary healthcare system and we depend on pharmacists for the service they offer us when dispensing medicines. Pharmacists in Jersey are also able to offer Islanders far more than this essential dispensing service. This investment package will help pharmacies recruit and train staff and extend the support, advice and services that can be easily accessed in community pharmacies.
“By changing the law on the period of supply for prescribed medicines, my aim is to reduce the time and cost it takes for Islanders to get their repeat prescriptions. This will also help with freeing up appointment times in GP practices, to help other Islanders who may need to see their GP more urgently.”
Sara Kynicos, Chair of Jersey Chemist Contractors Committee said: “We are pleased that ministers have recognised the valuable skills that Community Pharmacy teams can offer and are collaborating with us to develop future services to support Islanders to live healthier lives. This enhanced funding package will support pharmacists and their pharmacy teams to utilise their professional skills and knowledge more fully, to provide affordable and easily accessible services across Jersey for the benefit of Islanders and the wider healthcare system.”
Government of Jersey News Release