| 12th November 2009
APPG responds to new DH guidelines to tackle drug shortages
Responding to the publication of “Trading Medicines for Human Use: Shortages and Supply Chain Obligations”, Dr Howard Stoate MP, Chair of the All-Party Pharmacy Group, said:
“The All-Party Pharmacy Group is extremely concerned about the problem of drug shortages, and held a meeting examining the underlying causes and possible solutions at the end of October in the House of Commons. There was clear consensus at the meeting that we can no longer tolerate the current situation where patients are put at risk due to shortages of certain medicine. There was also a commitment from key stakeholders within the supply chain, including manufacturers, wholesalers and pharmacists, to work together to make sure that the needs of patients are met”
The Group is delighted that these organisations have now put their differences aside to develop a clear set of aims and obligations that each can work towards. We very much hope that the guidance will mark a significant step forward towards greater collaboration and ultimately an end to the problem of stock shortages. The Group will be carefully monitoring for progress, and if the situation does not improve over the coming months, we will engage in further investigation”.
16 November 2009
Top DH official confirms changes to dispensing regulations early in New Year
Chief Pharmaceutical Officer Dr Keith Ridge has confirmed that the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) will publish new guidelines that will amend the current regulations on dispensing errors early in the New Year. Dr Ridge confirmed the timing in a letter to All-Party Pharmacy Group chair Dr Howard Stoate MP.
To view the press release please click here
27th October 2009
Leading MPs launched investigation into drug shortages
The All-Party Pharmacy Group’s meeting in October focused on the issues around drug shortages, following concerns from community pharmacists that patients are suffering due to difficulties in sourcing certain medicines.
To view the press release please click here
To view the minutes of this meeting please click here
27th October 2009
Leading MPs launched investigation into drug shortages
On 27th October, Chair of the All-Party Pharmacy Group Dr Howard Stoate MP announced that the Group’s meeting in October would focus on the issues around drug shortages, following concerns from community pharmacists that patients are suffering due to difficulties in sourcing certain medicines.
Guest speakers included:
Richard Barker, Director General, Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry (ABPI)
Mark James, Group Managing Director, AAH Pharmaceuticals and Deputy Chair, British Association of Pharmaceutical Wholesalers (BAPW)
Gary Warner, community pharmacist, Regent Pharmacy, Isle of Wight
To view the press release please click here
To view the minutes of this meeting please click here
The
All-Party Pharmacy Group today (26 June 2007) launched its report
into the Future of Pharmacy. The report can be downloaded [here].
All-Party
PharmacyGroup Inquiry into the Future of Pharmacy
To find out more about the progress of the Group's
Inquiry please visit the Inquiry page
July
8th July 2009
Summer Reception & Annual General Meeting
The APPG hosted its Summer reception and AGM in House of Commons Dining Room A on 8th July.
A broad range of healthcare stakeholders and parliamentarians attended the AGM, giving guests the opportunity to discuss current health policies and pharmacy issues. Dr Howard Stoate MP, Chair of the Group gave a speech and held a formal election of the group.
New Pharmacy Minister Mike O'Brien MP attended and gave a speech setting out his plans for the pharmacy profession.
To view the Minister's speech please click here
To view pictures of the event please click here
To view the invite please click here
3rd July
Liberal Democrat health spokesperson Norman Lamb MP visits community pharmacy in Norfolk
Arranged by the APPG, Mr Lamb was able to see firsthand the growing contribution community pharmacies make to the health and well-being of the local community.
To view the press release please click here
To view photos of the visit, please click here
16th June 2009
Leading MPs launch investigation into decriminalisation of dispensing errors
The APPG's last meeting focused on the issues of decriminalisation of dispensing errors, following the recent case of former locum pharmacist Elizabeth Lee.
To read the news release please click here
16th June 2009
Investigation into the Decriminalisation of Dispensing Errors
Guest speakers-
Steve Churton, President, Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain
Mark Koziol, Chief Executive, Pharmacists Defence Association
Ian Facer, Chairman, NPA
Dr Keith Ridge, Chief Pharmaceutical Officer for England, Department of Health
To read minutes from the meeting please click here
To read the news release please click here
April
28th April 2009
Progress towards the Implementation of the Pharmacy White Paper
Guest speakers-
Felicity Cox, Chair of the Community Pharmacy Contractual Framework Negotiating Team, NHS Employers
Jeannette Howe, Head of Pharmacy, Department of Health
Jonathan Mason, National Clinical Director for Primary Care and Community Pharmacy in England, Department of Health
Martin Stephens, National Clinical Director for Hospital Pharmacy, Department of Health
Sue Sharpe, Chief Executive, PSNC
To read a note from the meeting please click here
To read the news release from the meeting please click here
24th April 2009
APPG brings together front bench health teams and community pharmacy leaders
The All-Party Pharmacy Group has concluded a series of meetings at Westminster between senior representatives of the major pharmacy bodies, and key individuals from the health teams of the leading political parties.
To read the news release please click here |
