Toolkit to support local commissioning of PGD services launched

A toolkit designed to support Local Pharmaceutical Committees (LPCs) to work with commissioners to consider how patient group direction (PGD) services may provide additional care to patients at the right place and the right time has been launched by PSNC today.

The toolkit considers how an Extended Care Service could be used to support local improvements in access to healthcare services and become another solution to reduce inequalities in healthcare provision.

LPCs will be able to use the toolkit to help them engage in local conversations with commissioners; these conversations can build on today’s announcement of a Winter Access Fund. This could potentially be used to commission PGD services at a local level, to enhance the care community pharmacists are already providing to many patients seeking support with the management of minor illness or those referred by general practices or NHS 111 to the Community Pharmacist Consultation Service (CPCS).

Background information on the service proposals

Pharmacy based Extended Care Services have been commissioned in several locations for many years, often under the name “Pharmacy First Extended Care” or referred to as PGD services to treat common ailments or low acuity conditions.

The aim of these services is for pharmacists to offer greater support to patients with the management of minor illness and, where clinically appropriate, provide access to prescription-only medicines where the condition cannot be assisted with over-the-counter medicines.

Such services can provide support to patients presenting in the pharmacy without a referral (‘walk-ins’) or those referred to the CPCS by general practices or NHS 111.

Access the toolkit for LPCs (LPC member login required)