Use of faxes
The GP contract states that GP Practices will no longer use facsimile (fax) machines for either NHS or patient communications by April 2020 and therefore GP practices have removed, or are in the process of are removing them from their surgeries.
Please could all Community Pharmacy teams check with the practice to make alternative arrangements for communication channels if faxes have been removed from the practice and we would advise that you check with the practice of the current status.
We have spoken to some of the CCGs in GM to ensure GP practices also inform community pharmacies should there be any changes to agreed communication channels.
Over Ordering of Inhalers
Our local CCGs have highlighted some issues relating to over-ordering and prescribing of inhalers in GM.
Please can we ensure that all Pharmacy teams have processes in place to ensure that they check with the prescriber if there are multiple inhalers being ordered.
There have been 2 specific examples that have been highlighted which have resulted in patients receiving over 12 months of extra inhalers throughout the year. These patients are now being reviewed and the prescribing issues will also be addressed.
We would be grateful if all Community Pharmacy teams can exercise due diligence in the interests of patient safety.
We have requested CCG colleagues to communicate these issues to GP practices to ensure prescribing issues are also addressed.
Communication to Community Pharmacies in GM – Thank you note and update on Freedom to Speak up arrangements – National Guardian’s Office
GMLPC have recently been in contact with the National Guardian’s Office to learn more about Freedom to Speak up arrangements and raise Community Pharmacy concerns.
Effective speaking up arrangements protect patients and improve the experience of NHS workers. The freedom to speak up arrangements contribute to the need, set out by Sir Robert Francis in his Freedom to Speak Up review, to develop a more open and supportive culture that encourages staff to speak up about any issues of patient care, quality or safety.
We are very pleased that the National Guardian’s Office representative took the time to listen to the concerns and challenges faced by Community Pharmacy and have sent a communication to thank community pharmacies and their teams for their efforts.
Dr Henrietta Hughes OBE FRCGP– National Guardian has thanked Community Pharmacists for the efforts and contribution in their response to the COVID-19 pandemic. To view the response in full click here
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