EMIS postpones dispensing module charge, as pressure mounts on NHSE

EMIS has postponed the introduction of the dispensing module user charge until April 2027, following representations by the DDA.

The DDA met with EMIS to discuss the new charge to be implemented following the threatened withdrawal of NHS funding for this service from 1 April 2026. The new charge was mooted at £0.25 per registered patient.

However, after consultation with the DDA and the BMA, Health Minister Steven Kinnock subsequently confirmed that NHS funding will remain in place until Mar 31, 2027.

Practices in Scotland and Wales are currently unaffected by the NHSE decision.

Informed by the DDA, the BMA wrote to NHSE National Director for Primary Care and Community Services Dr Amanda Doyle, highlighting its concerns.

The letter to NHSE makes four requests:

clarification on the termination of the national arrangement with EMIS/Optum
assessment of the impact of the proposed charge on dispensing practices
information on the mitigations, support or transitional arrangements (if any) to be put in place
information on the equivalent changes to TPP SystmOne or other clinical systems.

One practice told the BMA that the financial impact of this charge could run to £6,000 per year.

In addition to this specific EMIS issue, the dispensing GP negotiator has reiterated its request of NHSE that NHS dispensing software is funded centrally to ensure equity with non-dispensing practices.

“This is an issue we have raised numerous times over many years which has continuously failed to be addressed,” said the letter signed by GP Committee England Deputy Chairs Dr Julius Parker and dispensing GP Dr David Wrigley.

The BMA negotiators continue: “Remote and rural practices [provide] vital support to their patients. This recent development over cuts to funding to dispensing practices sits within a wider context … of mounting [financial] pressures with little indication that NHS England appreciates or intends to address the cumulative impact.

“The risk is clear: without urgent attention, these dispensing practices may well find they can no longer provide medication dispensing service to their patients. The consequences could be significant, not only for local patients but also for the wider health and care system and government policy objectives.”

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