DDA24: GPCE quizzed over future of dispensing

GPCE Deputy Chair and Dispensing Negotiating Lead Dr Julius Parker has pledged to ask GPCE for a statement recognising the discrimination facing dispensing practices over dispensing pay.

In a question and answer session held to close the morning session of Day One of the DDA 2024 conference, DDA Chairman Dr Richard West said that dispensing practices wanted to be good employers. However, the lack of a 6 per cent uplift for dispenser pay prevented this.

To support practices, the DDA used the platform of the conference to launch the Rural Access to Medicines and Pharmacy Services campaign (RAMP UP),

Dr Parker said that newly-elected Labour MPs were "alive" to the unique challenges of rural environments and would be open to pressure from constituents.

He added that the DDA and GPC were meeting regularly and that the DDA would be consulted over substantive changes affecting dispensing practices: "The GPC is completely committed to recognising that you need a better dispensing contract." However, he warned practices that the indications from DHSC/NHSE negotiators was that this would not be achieved in this financial year.

Dr West also quizzed Dr Parker on publication of the dispensing fee (applicable from October 1), progress towards replicating pharmacy services in rural areas, improving reimbursement and vaccination item of service fees. Dr Parker reassured conference that GPC was unaware of any moves towards flu vaccine central procurement and to change prescribing intervals in England.

Read the transcript

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