National Appeal Panel

In Northern Ireland a community pharmaceutical contractor [known as a community pharmacy or chemist] can only dispense Health Service prescriptions if they are included on the pharmaceutical list maintained by the Health and Social Care Board (HSCB).

The application system to join the pharmaceutical list is based on a system of control, linking the number of providers of pharmaceutical services as closely as possible to the needs of the local population.  

Successful inclusion on the list is based on whether it is “necessary or desirable” to secure the adequate provision of pharmaceutical services in the neighbourhood.  

This is known as the Control of Entry test.

Applications to join the list are made to the HSCB using the relevant form which can be found at: - http://www.hscbusiness.hscni.net/services/2052.htm

The legal requirements for entry to the pharmaceutical list are set out in the Pharmaceutical Services Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1997. http://www.legislation.gov.uk/nisr/1997/381/contents/made

A Pharmacy Practice Committee, established by the HSC Board, decide on the application.

The decision of the Pharmacy Practice Committee can be appealed to the National Appeal Panel, established by the Department.

Further information about the procedures for an applicant, the HSCB and the National Appeal Panel can be found in The Guide to the Revised Arrangements for Considering Applications to Provide Pharmaceutical Services (PDF 101KB).

The National Appeal Panel receives administrative and secretarial support from DHSSPS, contact details as follows: –

The Secretary
National Appeal Panel
Room D3.22
Castle Buildings
Stormont Estate
BELFAST
BT4 3SQ

Telephone: (028) 9076 5626

Fax: (028) 9076 5624

E-mail: communitypharmacy@dhsspsni.gov.uk

Copies of decisions of the National Appeal Panel can be obtained by contacting the Secretary.