NHS funding to cease for Emis Web dispensing module

From April 1, dispensing practices using EMIS Web will need to pay for the dispensing module.

In a communication from Optum EMIS received yesterday (Wednesday 18 March), Optum Sales Director Karen Bonnett informed customers that NHS England will cease central funding for this module on 1 April.

As part of the move to local funding, Optum will start invoicing practices. The company says: "We welcome the opportunity to discuss the best way forward for your practice." Practices are invited to email uk.info@optum.com

It is believed (but not confirmed) that the new charge will be 25p per registered patient (note: not dispensing patient).

The news broke on the DDA member only Facebook group around 5pm yesterday (18 March) where a member shared this communication from Optum.

Neither the DDA nor GPCE were informed of the change, and to date, there has been no communication of the change by NHS England.

NHS England and Optum have been asked for comment.

The DDA's position is that dispensing is a core GP service and it has described the lack of dialogue between NHS England and the BMA over this very short notice change as an outrageous move by NHS England.

Dispensing practices are urged to write to their local politicians to alert them of this change and the danger to rural NHS medical services and medicines supply of unfunded changes.

Local politicians' details can be found at:

Find your MP - MPs and Lords - UK Parliament

Wales: Find a Member of the Senedd

Scotland: Members of the Scottish Parliament (MSPs) | Scottish Parliament Website

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