DDA25: "The DDA will open their eyes"

“The DDA will open NHS England’s eyes to the value of dispensing doctors, and it will give you a happy ending”

So said Dr David Jenner, sessional GP and DDA Board Member in his DDA presentation, The future for dispensing doctors in the NHS: Ten Year Plan.

Reviewing the plan, Dr Jenner stated his view that the NHS Plan is blind to dispensing GPs. He said the plan’s focus was on funding for clinical services not dispensing fees. “There is nothing in it that makes me think dispensing has even been considered,” he concluded.

During his presentation, Dr Jenner highlighted his key concerns with the NHS Ten Year Plan, notably how Integrated Health Organisations (IHO) and year of care budgets will interact with, or commission general practice services.

While revision of the Carr Hill formula was welcome, it must reflect rurality and the increased costs of provision. “It will undoubtedly direct more resource to deprived communities in cities where health outcomes are worst,” he suggested.

To support dispensing practices, he said that the DDA was lobbying the BMA for better consultation and representation, and had submitted several specific issues to GPCE for resolution, including:

Zero clawback for discount not deducted (DND) drugs - now allowed for inclisiran
Reform of dispensing fee envelope
Funding for dispensing IT
Differential impact of GMS uplifts for increased dispensing GP staff costs
Seek equivalence to community pharmacy contract modifications especially for clinical services

He urged dispensing practices to lobby the BMA via their LMC.

View the presentation: The future for dispensing doctors in the NHS: Ten Year Plan

Conference news DDA news