Pharmacy Voice today welcomed best practice guidance developed by the Department of Health supply chain working group, describing the statement that ‘pharmacies should receive medicines within 24 hours’ from their suppliers as “a useful first step”.
The National Pharmacy Association, a member of Pharmacy Voice, has been an active participant in the working group since it was set up in 2010 following a Ministerial summit.

Ian Facer, chairman of Pharmacy Voice and the NPA said:

“This guidance establishes for the first time the principle that pharmacies should receive medicines within 24 hours of ordering them. We would have preferred a stronger obligation on suppliers, however we feel this move is an important first step in supporting patients’ interests.  Community pharmacists on the front line have reported a worsening in the supply situation over recent months.  The guidance is a useful first step, but no silver bullet. We will work with our members to monitor...