The Pharmacy Guild of New Zealand (the Guild) endorses the new proposed pharmacy services model subject to a number of provisos. The new model is being released today. Once consultation on the model is complete, and feedback has been incorporated, the model will be the basis of the next Pharmacy Services Agreement (PSA) on 1 July 2012.

The new model is a commitment to the future viability of quality pharmacy services delivered in a community setting. 

The Guild's work on the model has evolved over a number of years, with significant resources and time spent on finalising the model. "As a membership organisation representing community pharmacy owners, we invested heavily in the PSA process with the DHBs," says Guild President, Karen Crisp. "We did so because the changes to pharmacy services are for the benefit of patients and the pharmacy profession will be better recognised for the quality services that we provide."

The new PSA sees a shift from pharmacists being paid on a volume based model to a patient focused model. "As the new model is complex and includes changes to service expectations and financial incentives, it will not be introduced overnight."

The Guild is encouraging all members to attend member-only briefings throughout the country so that they are fully aware of the future model of pharmacy.

"The development of a new model is a huge win for the Guild and for the pharmacy profession," says Karen Crisp. "Thank you to all involved for their hard work."