Nelson-Marlborough Pharmacists Reach Understanding With District Health Board

Community pharmacists in the Nelson-Marlborough region have reached an understanding with their District Health Board that will allow time to develop more durable funding arrangements and ensure services to patients are not compromised.

Spokesperson Dave Ross said the interim agreement reached with the Nelson Marlborough District Health Board (NMDHB) was very welcome.

"The Nelson Marlborough DHB acknowledges pharmacists concerns around funding and has agreed to look at these issues. We both needed time to address the issues that have been identified, and now we will be able to do this. The Board has exhibited tremendous support for community pharmacy and we appreciate their commitment to finding a lasting solution."

Mr Ross said this will ensure patients will not be disadvantaged.

"That was our key concern, our ongoing ability to deliver essential patient services in the face of very significant reductions to our funding for those services. Our patients need to know they can rely on us to provide continued access to subsidised medicines. This interim agreement is a positive first step in providing that assurance."

Mr Ross said the understanding reached with the NMDHB would ensure pharmacists were paid for the services they provide, and a longer term solution will be developed by 31 March 2004.