Reacting to the news that Phil Hope Minister of State has announced in the House that there will be will be no change to the current arrangements on GPs dispensing medicines to their patients. John Turk, NPA Chief Executive, comments:

"Its good that ministers have decided to quickly act on this matter that dominated the current consultation process, overshadowing the broader, positive agenda set out in the Pharmacy in England White Paper.

Our view that positive GP-community pharmacy collaboration is necessary to achieve seamless patient care and it is important to the future of both professions within the NHS that this is encouraged. Surveys show that GPs rate their working relationships with community pharmacists highly and I hope now the debate can focus on how the two professions can use their combined force to improve outcomes for patients."

Minister of State, Phil Hope, gave the following statement in the House this afternoon during Oral Questions:

"We are analysing the responses received to the consultation on Pharmaceutical provision in England and will make an announcement on these wider issues as soon as possible in the New Year. However, I am aware of the strength of responses we received on options for amending criteria for dispensing by doctors, and have taken into account the views of those attending the listening events and the meetings my officials have had with interested parties. Because of this, I have taken the decision that there will be no change to the current arrangements on GPs dispensing medicines to their patients."

National Pharmacy Association