Question reference: S6W-14870
- Asked by: Rhoda Grant, MSP for Highlands and Islands, Scottish Labour
- Date lodged: 20 February 2023
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Current status: Answered by Humza Yousaf on 13 March 2023
Question
To ask the Scottish Government, in light of reported concerns raised by the British Society for Rheumatology regarding patients experiencing delays to receiving and starting vital medications, what its position is on whether homecare medicines services are safe and fit for purpose.
Answer
Scottish Government is aware of recent difficulties experienced by some homecare providers. NHS National Procurement in partnership with Health Boards have worked closely with the homecare providers to improve service performance. All homecare providers are now demonstrating improved service levels.
Medicines homecare providers must demonstrate that they can meet the standards for registered pharmacies set by the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC). The standards are designed to create and maintain the right environment for the safe and effective practice of pharmacy and to improve the quality and safety of services provided to patients and the public. The GPhC inspect registered pharmacies to seek assurances that the standards are being met. Depending on the range of services provided, medicines homecare providers may also be registered with additional regulators such as the Care Inspectorate and the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency.