New NZ pharmacy model
March 27, 2012
A MONTH long consultation
process has begun over a new
proposed model for community
pharmacy in New Zealand.
The new model has a stronger
emphasis on services to patients
with higher needs and a
strengthened role for pharmacists
working in consultation with GPs.
Developed over a 24 month
period by national representatives
of pharmacists’ organisations, the
NZ Pharmacy Guild and PHARMAC,
the new model also links
pharmacist funding to clinical
pharmacy services provided to
patients, rather than the current
mode of payment on the basis of
numbers of medicines dispensed.
“The new Pharmacy Services
Agreement (PSA) sees a shift from
pharmacists being paid on a
volume based model to a patient
focused model,” a statement from
the NZ Guild said.
“As the new model is complex
and includes changes to service
expectations and financial
incentives, it will not be introduced
overnight,” the statement added.
Following the draft’s release, 20
NZ district Health Boards are now
holding a month-long information
and consultation period with
pharmacists and key stakeholders
across NZ to discuss the proposals.
The consultation will close on 20
April, at which point feedback will
be considered, and the draft will be
finalised and readied for
implementation from 01 July as the
basis of the next NZ PSA.
“The development of a new
model is a huge win for the Guild
and for the pharmacy profession,”
said NZ Guild President, Karen
Crisp.
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