MSP CALLS FOR GREATER PROTECTION FOR DISPENSING GP PRACTICES (Jim Hume)

MSP CALLS FOR GREATER PROTECTION FOR DISPENSING GP PRACTICES

June 2, 2010 12:00 AM

Jim Hume, Liberal Democrat MSP for the South of Scotland, has today called for a debate in the Scottish Parliament on the future of dispensing GP practices.

In a motion, the MSP has called for tighter rules governing the planning process around new applications for pharmacies.

Jim Hume said:

"The dispensing income generated by these practices is essential in keeping a vital NHS service viable, especially in rural areas where one practice realistically can look after a whole community.

"Dispensing practices are found mainly in the Borders and Dumfries and Galloway, and certainly there has already been concern for Newcastleton, Coldingham where independent pharmacies are applying to set up.

"There is already a consultation on the control of entry arrangements relating to NHS pharmaceutical services and I believe that new regulations should be implemented which would ensure that a first stage or pre-application process is used to eliminate speculative applications, and that these regulations should also eliminate repeat applications where no significant change in circumstances has occurred and substantially inaccurate applications."

ENDS

Notes to editors:

The text of Mr Hume's motion is shown below.

S3M-06435 Jim Hume (South of Scotland) (Scottish Liberal Democrats): Protecting Vital GP Dispensing Practices- That the Parliament recognises the important role of dispensing GP practices in remote and rural communities across the South of Scotland; acknowledges the high level of patient satisfaction with these practices; is concerned about the threat posed by unrestricted commercial pharmacy applications to the sustainability of health services provided by dispensing GP practices; is aware of the current consultation on the control of entry arrangements relating to NHS pharmaceutical services; supports the implementation of new improved regulations in which a first stage or pre-application process is used to eliminate speculative applications, repeat applications where no significant change in circumstances has occurred and substantially inaccurate applications, and further supports the provision of local, holistic health services whereby health care professionals work together to plan and deliver more flexible services.