Confirmed minutes of 14 October 1999

PRESCRIPTION PRICING AUTHORITY

At a meeting of the Prescription Pricing Authority Public Meeting held at the Old Assembly Rooms, Newcastle upon Tyne, on Thursday 14 October 1999, there were;

PRESENT

Professor D J Johns - Chairman

Mr M Bennett Mr J Norman
Mr P Catchpole Dr S Purdy
Mrs D Cornish Mr N Scholte

IN ATTENDANCE

Mr D G Ball Mr M Siswick
Mrs C Dalton Mr W J Smith
Dr J J Ferguson Mrs E A Stobbart
Mr P Lobb

1 APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE

Apologies for absence were received from Mr W Jones.

2 CHAIRMAN'S INTRODUCTION

The Chairman welcomed and thanked members of the audience for attending the first Public Meeting of the PPA and gave a summary of the Authority's background and current strategy.

3 CHIEF EXECUTIVE'S REPORT

Mr Scholte, Chief Executive of the PPA, reported on performance of the Authority during 1998/99 specifically in relation to achievement of key targets. Highlights included internal developments and human resource issues.

The Authority's commitment to contributing to the agenda for the New NHS was summarised and included supporting Information for Health, enabling the New NHS, taking forward the counter fraud strategy and leading the way for Year 2000.

Mr Scholte detailed the challenges facing the Authority during 1999/2000 in respect of Category D and the progress which was being made towards electronic data interchange (EDI) and prescribing information services.

4. FINANCE REPORT

Mr Smith, Director of Finance and Administrative Services, reported on the Authority's financial position during 1998/99 in respect of the Pharmaceutical Accounts (non-cash limited) and the Administration Accounts (cash-limited).

Particular reference was made to the Authority's compliance with Corporate Governance.

5. PRESCRIBING RESEARCH REPORT

Mrs Dalton, Director of Pharmaceutical Advisory Services, reported on the research work undertaken during 1998/99 in order to assist in informing prescribing decisions and to monitor the effect of prescribing policies and prescribing patterns.

Highlights included the research undertaken in respect of antibiotic prescribing, specifically trimethoprim, and the use of statins in Coronary Heart Disease.

6. QUESTIONS FROM THE AUDIENCE

Mr A Hilton, former Chief Executive of the PPA, queried whether the effect of Category D would impact on the valuable research carried out by the Authority and, if that was the case, whether the NHSE were aware. Mrs Dalton advised that Category D was impacting on all systems within the Authority and that the NHSE had been made aware of the effects on the whole of the PPA.

Mr I Spencer, Newcastle and North Tyneside Health Authority, asked whether any action was being taken to stem the rising cost in generic drug prices which would impact on Primary Care Groups. Mr Scholte responded that this was outside the remit of the PPA but he understood that the Department of Health were aware of the issue.

The Chairman thanked everyone in attendance and formally closed the meeting.