Pharmacy in England

Book excerpt: This White Paper (Cm. 7341, ISBN 9780101734127), sets out a programme for future NHS pharmaceutical services in England. Divided into 8 chapters with 2 annexes, it covers the following areas: the background to the White Paper; the context of change, looking at the major health and social challenges that have prompted a review of pharmacy services; expanding access and choice through more help with medicines; more pharmacy services supporting healthy living and better care; communications and relationships and how these can be improved by highlighting the varied services and benefits offered by pharmacies and pharmacists; research and innovation in practice; the pharmacy profession; the current structure and contractual arrangements of the pharmacy system. The Government has set out a future vision for the pharmacy services in England, including a number of specific objectives, including: making pharmacies into "healthy living centres", promoting health and helping people to take care of themselves; offer NHS treatment for minor ailments; provide specific support for people who are starting a new course of treatment; offer screening for those at risk of vascular disease; use new technologies to expand choice and improve care in hospitals and the community; become commissioned based on the range and quality of the services being delivered. Related publications to this White Paper, include: The Future of Pharmacy (http://www.appg.org.uk/documents/ThefutureofPharmacy_006.pdf); Our Health, Our Care (Cm.6737, ISBN 0101673728); Our NHS, Our Future (http://www.ournhs.nhs.uk/fromtypepad/283411_OurNHS_v3acc.pdf); A Vision for Pharmacy in the New NHS, July 2003 (http://www.dh.gov.uk/en/Consultations/Closedconsultations/DH_4068353?).