Community Pharmacy

Community Pharmacies are independent businesses that have a contract with the NHS (through their local PCT) to provide pharmaceutical services that include dispensing prescriptions for patients. A new NHS contractual framework for community pharmacies came in to effect on 1st April 2005, which will extend the services community pharmacies provide and utilise community pharmacist professional skills. Cheltenham and Tewkesbury PCT is working with the local community pharmacies to implement the new contractual framework, which will build on the service already provided by community pharmacy, to the residents of Cheltenham and Tewkesbury.

The Pharmaceutical Needs Assessment

All Primary care Trusts are required to undertake a Pharmaceutical Needs Assessment as part of the new contractual framework. The purpose was to gather information about what pharmaceutical health services are needed within the PCT and to compare this with what pharmaceutical services are already provided. This will help the PCT identify any gaps where there is a need for a service that is not already in place.

• The 2005 Pharmaceutical Needs Assessment
  
  

Control Of Entry onto pharmaceutical services list

As from 1st April 2005, the Control of Entry regulations onto the pharmaceutical services list have altered. A summary of these changes and some background to Control of Entry, including the PCTs duties, are available by following the links below:

• Background Document
  
  
• Regulation Differences
  

If you wish to apply for a new pharmacy contract or change your existing premises or services within Cheltenham and Tewkesbury PCT, please download and complete the application form below. Guidance notes on completing the application form are also available.

• Application Form
  
  
• Guidance Notes