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How can I reach service level standards and maximise the funding available for my pharmacy?

Ceri Davies

A significant amount of pharmacies’ capacity is being taken up by unfunded work and that needs to change. Accessing available funding must be a priority for those focused on building a healthier community as well as stronger, profitable business.

Achieving the thresholds for the monthly Pharmacy First payment has been an ongoing matter of great concern for pharmacy owners. Alongside the regular demands for essential services as well as simultaneously running Flu, Covid and Travel clinics are enough to contribute to a stressful working environment, but not hitting targets add pressure, can affect morale, and reduce pharmacy growth.

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Pharmacies struggling to maximise on numbers is echoed across our industry. Where can we find some respite? There are services which can be outsourced! Pharmacy Solutions has to be a consideration for anyone. A remote NMS and DMS service provider who are able to hit NHS targets for you, provide the highest level of care to patients, whilst maintaining strict confidentiality measures and safety and security protocols.

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We completed a case study with one of our Pharmacies… the results speak for themselves;

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Case Study

Middlesex Pharmacy that normally completes 50 NMS per month.

Pharmacy Solutions completed 69 interventions and 69 follow ups in the first month they were engaged.

Time saved

Interventions time spent = 69 x 5mins

Follow up time spent = 69 x 3mins

Total time saved on phone calls was 9 hours and there would be another 9 hours spent on completing records and on repeat calling patients who don't answer phone calls. Therefore, a total of 18 hours were saved.

Alternative use of pharmacist’s time

In 18 hours, a pharmacist could do:

108 extra vaccinations (6 per hour) = £864

72 hypertension checks = £1,080

36 ear-micro suction operations =£2,160

On average, the time saved should allow for c.£1000+ of additional service income.

The Numbers

Income received if pharmacy had carried out NMS service themselves

£28 x 50 = £1,400

Income received with Pharmacy Solutions taking over the NMS service

£19.50 x 69 = £1,345

Average income from other services