Independents are at risk of falling behind the multiples here

Amish Patel, director of Salveo Health, explained the benefits of pharmacy federation to an audience at the Pharmacy Show on October 18.

Kent-based Salveo Health is a limited company that was formed to bring local independents together to overcome some of the issues faced by contractors, particularly since the introduction of the NHS reforms. “The problem is that everything is always on someone else’s terms,” said Mr Patel (pictured).

It was particularly difficult for a single independent to deal with the four different local commissioning bodies to secure services. And with CCGs covering relatively large areas, an independent pharmacy could not deliver any given service across that whole area. “Independents are at risk of falling behind the multiples here.”

All four directors of Salveo Health are local independents, and patients can get to a Salveo Pharmacy within ten minutes from anywhere in the CCG. Salveo pharmacists can now offer whole area coverage to commissioners.

Advantages of member pharmacies working together included sharing best practice and learning, sharing resources and costs, and networking with colleagues. The group has organised healthy living and staff training events, secured enhanced services, developed new services, created an app to help with NMS, and provided a website for members. It also has a partnership working deal with local Boots pharmacies.

Salveo pharmacies’ achievements include 600 patients using its AF service in six months, 750 NHS Health Checks delivered, with 10 per cent were referred to their GP, and 134 patients making use of its HBA1c testing service.

Future plans include a nationwide rollout, upskilling and sharing learning among members, enhanced data capture, and continuing to unite independents and multiples.