Currently the PCT is working through the process of monitoring the community pharmacy contractual framework. This is being done with the co-operation of the LPC to ensure that the process is fair to contractors and also meets the requirements of the primary care organisation as well as complying wirh the necessary healthcare standards expected from pharmacy.

The process has two stages. In the first contractors were sent a self declaration form in which they declared which elements they were able to meet (and evidence). In future the PCT will need to be assured that contractors meet the relevant elements of the Healthcare Commission Standards for Better Health . These elements are shaded in the self declaration and do not form part of the contract monitoring process.

The second stage will involve a visit to the pharmacy by the assessment team.  The assessors will expect to see evidence that the pharmacy is meeting the contract and examples of such evidence is highlighted in the visit documentation . This can be modified and used to create a portfolio which can be viewed by the team at the visit. The portfolio will certainly help to reduce any disturbance to the pharmacy on the day of the visit.