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Numark is urging the department to engage further with CPNI to consider
and agree immediate and longer-term solutions to reimbursement
arrangements, along with fair and sustainable funding which helps deliver
improved patient outcomes for the people of Northern Ireland. Stating
that we appreciate that matters are more complex in Northern Ireland
given the current lack of a sitting assembly, but our members are facing
a perfect storm of Cat M adjustments; inflationary price increases not
reflected in the contract; and paying back advance payments.

We are expressing our belief that cost cutting/

underinvestment in community pharmacy only
drives higher cost and demand into other parts of

the NHS. If patients cannot get advice/support

from their local pharmacy, they invariably go
to their GP or A&E: what choice do you have?

Such provision is more costly overall for the NHS
budget and drives down patient satisfaction as

waiting lists increase from days to weeks.

Noting that you only need to look to the challenges faced in England to
see the impact of chronic underfunding of community pharmacy with
closures, restricted opening hours and under-provision of healthcare in
deprived areas: we are sure that is not a model which they would wish
to see replicated in Northern Ireland. Or to look to Scotland’s continued
investment in its Pharmacy First approach because, for years, they
have recognised the budget and care advantages it generates.
Here at Numark, we will continue to support the CPNI to lobby for
enhanced funding as although a welcome respite, we feel that a longer
term commitment to address the deficit in funding is required to
ensure members can support their ambition to an enhanced role for
pharmacy in addressing the health challenges faced by the NHS in
Northern Ireland.

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