DDA chairman hears dispensing practice frustrations at the DDA 2025 conference

"The DDA hears your frustrations and concerns," DDA Chairman Dr Richard West told delegates in questions following his chairman's address.

In the presentation, Dr West brought delegates up to date with the DDA's progress on negotiations on the dispensing fee, relationships with GPC and dispensing elements within the new GP contract.

The conference heard of the challenges facing dispensing practice negotiators including NHS England reform and politicians' lack of understanding of dispensing. He also warned dispensing practices to expect a tough climate for remuneration from October when the October 25-April 26 dispensing fee is published.

Speaking in conversation with DDA Communications Officer Ailsa Colquhoun, Dr West urged delegates to complete the dispensary profitability survey distributed at the conference (and available online) to support the work of the DDA.

He said the DDA understood the financial challenges facing dispensing practices and said the goal of DDA negotiations was to achieve an environment for dispensing practices that is "good for patients, good for the NHS and good for the practice".

During the question and answer session, delegates questioned the relevance of the 'one-mile' rule and patients' frustrations, given pharmacy closures and the Internet. He acknowledged the importance of dispensing practices acting in the interests of patients.

He also looked at specific challenges including hub and spoke dispensing and the EPS.

View the presentation

Listen to the audio recording.

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