Clinical Pharmacy Services | What Primary Care Networks Should Be Looking For?

As always, we write our blog for primary care network leaders, and this blog is specifically for those of you who:

1. Are struggling to recruit clinical pharmacists

2. Have had challenging experiences with pharmacy providers

3. Want to understand what good clinical pharmacy support looks like

As part of our ongoing partnership with Medacy, I recently sat down with their director Shaun, and put him in the hot seat and tried to ask all of the questions you would be considering when choosing a clinical provider.

In this blog, we will cover:

1. Key differences between providers

2. What good clinical pharmacy support looks like

3. Important questions to ask potential providers

Let’s Jump In!

Experience

Medacy has been in the business of providing pharmacist services stretching back 21 years, making them one of the most experienced providers in primary care.

When assessing providers, it's crucial to understand their track record in sourcing pharmacists specifically for general practice and primary care networks.

Key Differences Between Providers

The clinical providers you are researching will all be providing similar services but one of the things which is most important is their clinical governance and quality assurance.

This isn't just about ticking boxes. During our discussion, Shaun shared a real example of a practice that had a CQC inspection the next day. Within 15 minutes, they could provide comprehensive evidence of:

1. All mandatory training completed

2. Quality check reports

3. Clinical oversight documentation

4. Evidence of ongoing development

Why does this matter? Because when CQC comes knocking, you need a provider who can demonstrate robust governance with the ability to do this quickly.

Different Workforce Models

You will also need to understand their workforce model, which typically falls into 2 camps.

You need to decide what model would work best for you.

Specialised Clinical Services: Beyond Basic Pharmacy Support

Pharmacy providers are not limited to basic medication reviews and prescription management. During my conversation with Shaun, it became clear that modern clinical pharmacy services can be more comprehensive and provide specialist services.

Shaun explained: 

Heart Failure Management: Many GPs are cautious about heart failure management, often defaulting to secondary care. However, experienced clinical pharmacists can help optimise medications for these patients, ensuring they stay healthier longer and reducing mortality rates.

Asthma Clinics: Clinical pharmacists can run dedicated asthma clinics, providing comprehensive medication reviews, inhaler technique assessments, and ongoing condition management.

Long-term Condition Management: From rheumatoid arthritis to hypertension, clinical pharmacists can provide specialised support that previously might have been handled by nursing teams, which may be useful if you have gaps in your nursing profession.

Remote Services

We all know premises is a challenge, so whilst ideally, we want our teams in person, this is not always possible.

90% of pharmacist services can be delivered remotely, which has transformed how PCNs can access pharmacy support.

➡️ Benefits of Remote Services

Rural Access: For PCNs in areas like Cornwall, remote services solve a critical problem. When local staff leave, finding replacements can be nearly impossible. Remote support means these PCNs can maintain consistent service regardless of location.

Quick Activation: Remote services can often be activated within days, compared to the weeks or months it might take to recruit local staff.

Technology Integration: Modern systems allow remote pharmacists to access practice systems securely and provide the same level of service as on-site staff.

Flexibility: PCNs can access specialised expertise without geographic limitations.

➡️ What Can Be Done Remotely?

• Medication reviews

• Long-term condition management

• Prescription processing

• Clinical documentation

• Quality audits - While some services like blood pressure checks or inhaler technique demonstrations might need face-to-face interaction, these can often be handled via video consultations.

  
  

Let's Talk About Money

As PCN leaders, you're accountable for every penny spent.

When comparing providers, it's tempting to go with the cheapest hourly rate, and I get it. There is a ceiling that you will need to work within, but do not let your pure decision be based on cost.

And remember.......

✅ You do not have to cover the cost of training or clinical supervision.

✅ There is no formal line management like your other employees.

You can flex the service up and down.

What Good Clinical Pharmacy Support Looks Like

Here's what PCNs should expect:

Essential Questions to Ask Potential Providers

Based on my conversation with Shaun, here are some key questions PCNs should ask when evaluating pharmacy providers:

1. What is their clinical governance structure?

2. How do they support and develop your pharmacy team?

3. What metrics do they use to measure performance?

4. How quickly can they mobilise support?

5. What is their approach to quality assurance?

6. How do they handle CQC compliance?

7. Are they CQC registered, have they completed the Data Protection and Security Toolkit check, and are they Cyber Essentials certified?

The Bottom Line

Whether you're struggling to recruit or looking to outsource your pharmacy services, the key is finding a provider that aligns with your needs and values. Look for providers who:

1.     Have robust clinical governance

2.     Provide comprehensive support and development

3.     Can demonstrate clear value and outcomes

4.     Have the experience and infrastructure to deliver consistently

You will also need to understand their

1. Remote Capability: The ability to provide effective remote services while maintaining quality

2. Recruitment Expertise: A strong network and track record in finding the right pharmacists

3. Flexibility in Service Delivery: The capacity to adapt services to local needs

4. Long-term Planning: Ability to commit to year-long contracts for consistency

5. Performance Monitoring: Clear benchmarking and quality metrics

Remember, it's not just about filling a position - it's about finding a partner who can deliver consistent services that make a real difference to your PCN.

If you have any further questions, please contact shaun@medacy.co.uk

Medacy recently placed a pharmacist in Maidenhead PCN within 2 weeks, and it's been great.

 About Us

THC Primary Care is an award-winning healthcare consultancy specialising in Primary Care Network Management and the creator of the Business of Healthcare Podcast. With over 20 years in the industry, we've supported more than 200 PCNs through interim management, training, and consultancy.

Our expertise spans project management and business development across both private and public sectors. Our work has been published in the London Journal of Primary Care, and we've authored over 250 blogs sharing insights about primary care networks.

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