AWTTC has updated guidance that sets out the requirements and key considerations for successful collaborative working between NHS Wales, primary care contractors and the pharmaceutical industry and replaces the previous partnership working document.
Collaborative working, in the context of this guidance, refers to pharmaceutical companies working with other NHS organisations, including Primary Care Clusters and Community Interest Companies, to deliver initiatives that enhance patient care or are for the benefit of patients or alternatively benefit the NHS and, as a minimum, maintain patient care. Members of the Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry (ABPI) should comply with the ABPI Code of Practice when undertaking collaborative arrangements; as should other pharmaceutical companies who abide by the ABPI Code of Practice. ABPI Cymru Wales and the Welsh NHS Confederation have developed a collaborative working and joint working toolkit for industry and NHS Wales which takes into consideration the five core values of NHS Wales. NHS employers and primary care contractors who are involved in a collaborative or joint working project should follow relevant legislation and appropriate professional codes of conduct.
Successful collaborative working must ensure there is trust and reasonable contact between those working together, whether from NHS Wales or from the pharmaceutical industry. Such relationships, if properly managed, may provide mutual benefit to the organisations involved.
Download/view: Guide to collaborative working between NHS, primary care contractors and the pharmaceutical industry (PDF, 246kb)