Written question asked by Kerry Pollard (Labour) on Wednesday, 27 October 2004, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 2 November 2004. It was answered by Baroness Winterton of Doncaster (Labour) on Tuesday, 2 November 2004 on behalf of the Department of Health.

Dept of Health

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what role he plans for pharmacists in (a) promoting healthcare and (b) providing information to patients. (Failed OPQ)

Answer: Mr. Pollard: What role he plans for pharmacists in (a) promoting health care and (b) providing information to patients. [195023] Ms Rosie Winterton: The new contractual framework for community pharmacists, subject to a ballot of contractors, should go live from April 2005. Nationally, it comprises a range of services which all pharmacists will provide, including helping patients make better use of medicines through repeat dispensing, promoting public health, providing information and support to patients, as well as signposting them to other healthcare providers. Primary care trusts will be able to commission a range of additional services from community pharmacists to meet specific patient needs locally.

Secondary information