Dispensing Doctors' Association

12/02/2026

If you listen to the DHSC, the dispensing GP dispensing fee can cover it all - including the four-figure costs of installing and running electronic prescription service dispensing software. Ministers sincerely believe that, unlike pharmacies, dispensing GPs have a magic stash of cash with which to cover those costs. However, if you listen to our latest podcast, dispensing GPs across GB will tell you something very different. Listen in at https://www.dispensingdoctor.org/about-the-dda/dda-political-activity/podcasts/

11/02/2026

The DDA has published four films to support the publication of its latest briefing paper: Dispensing Practice in England - Addressing the disparities

The films take a look at the disparities in dispensing GP funding, dispensing GP IT and dispensing quality incentives, compared to community pharmacies.

The briefing paper makes 10 recommendations for DHSC/NHSE including to reform of drug reimbursement costs and reform the discount abatement (clawback) system. There are also suggestions how to improve the Electronic Prescription Service in dispensing GPs (podcast update soon to follow).

DDA members are encouraged to contact local politicians with details of the briefing papers (also available for Welsh dispensing practices).

Contact details for local politicians can be found on our website

The DDA has published four films to support the publication of its latest briefing paper: Dispensing Practice in England - Addressing the disparities

26/01/2026

20 minutes that might just change your life.
The new DDA podcast is out now! Listen in to hear what changes the smarter dispensary can make to improve profitability and efficiency.
The fourth in the series, DDA Board Member Mark Stone, pharmacist partner at the Tamar Valley Practice in Cornwall, looks at the changes to workflow and layout, buying and use of technology that the smarter dispensary can make.
https://www.dispensingdoctor.org/about-the-dda/dda-political-activity/podcasts/

09/01/2026

Congratulations on completing the first full working week of the year.
If it's all too much already, please do consider the ways the DDA and the wide expertise of its Board Members and Executive Team could help reduce your pain.
Read our weekly newsletter for more information on the dispensing news you need to know

04/12/2025

"Frosty" relations between the BMA and the DHSC leave dispensing contract negotiations in a fragile state. However, the DDA has a plan of action to protect dispensing practices as the challenges of 2025 fade into the New Year.
Listen in to hear how the DDA will approach the challenges of 2026 in this new (third) podcast
Visit the DDA podcast library https://www.dispensingdoctor.org/about-the-dda/dda-political-activity/podcasts/

13/11/2025

Congratulations to our Welsh chair Dr Fiona Porter for getting the message out that dispensing practice matters in rural areas.

Read all about it.

The sustainability of dispensing practice in Wales has been debated in the Welsh Senedd, following representation by the DDA.

31/10/2025

It's Friday, and All Hallows Eve (Halloween to me or you). Did you know that the English word 'Halloween' comes from "All Hallows' Eve"?
That is the name given to the evening before the Christian holy days of [All Hallows' Day](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/All_Saints%27_Day) (All Saints' Day) on 1 November and [All Souls' Day](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/All_Souls%27_Day) on 2 November.

No? Well, education is just one of the things we do at the DDA - and all free of charge as part of your membership.

Read all about it in today's newsletter. Online on the DDA website https://www.dispensingdoctor.org/about-the-dda/dda-executive-communications/dda-weekly-newsletters/

DHSC has published an initial list of adjusted prices for October   This list details 38 prices. Changes are marked in bold and the fully updated lists are available as downloadable spreadsheets.

24/10/2025

It's Friday and that means it's DDA newsletter day. Please take the time to read it, as the Cheshire Cat said "The uninformed must improve their deficit, or die.” And we definitely don't want that... especially on a Friday
Read the newsletter at

 The DDA podcast, our website (relaunched in 2024) our member-only (pictured) and public Facebook groups and X channel - not to mention this weekly newsletter - are just some of the ways that we keep dispensing GPs informed about the important issues affecting dispensing GPs. Keeping you up-to-da...

11/10/2025

The DDA quite often receives queries from practices about eligibility when a patient has used a pharmacy (short- or long-term) but then realises the "error of their ways" and wants to come back to the GP dispensary service.

There are a number of resources available to DDA members to help you navigate such situations. See
https://www.dispensingdoctor.org/resources/dispensary-management-zone/faqs-dispensary-management-zone/can-dispensing-patients-also-use-pharmacy-affect-dispensing-rights/

and you can test your understanding at https://www.dispensingdoctor.org/resources/dispensary-management-zone/dispensary-guidance/patient-eligibility/

Have fun and get your big fat dispensary welcome ready

09/10/2025

The DDA has published a letter for MPs raising concerns about the lack of staffing pay uplift in the October dispensing feescale.

The letter argues that the increase in October does not compensate dispensing GPs for the actual staffing cost increases associated with the increases in employer NI contributions and the new minimum wage.i
It also argues that there are disparities compared to community pharmacy funding.

Please read, adapt and send this letter to your MP

The DDA has published a letter for MPs raising concerns about the lack of staffing pay uplift in the October dispensing feescale.

17/09/2025

Today, we've published training on high-risk medicines in our library of dispensing skills modules. There are also a wide range of resources on common query areas such as PA/VAT and endorsing.

This advice is all free and all part of the value of being a DDA member.

If you are not already a member, why not get in touch with us now - or see us in person at the DDA 2025 Conference, which takes place next week in Birmingham? For more information, visit

The 2025 conference takes place Weds-Thurs 24-25 September 2025 at a new venue, the National Conference Centre Birmingham B92 0EJ.

27/06/2025

Some 83 per cent of reimbursement prices will reduce from July 1, in the latest Cat M adjustment. Eliminating loss-making reimbursement in dispensing practice remains a top priority for the DDA.
If you are not a member, please consider supporting our work at the national and individual level to ensure the future sustainability of dispensing practice.
Our latest newsletter is now online

Flu reimbursement claims are among the issues tackled in the latest NHS BSA Hints and Tips Issue 57 The newsletter notes that during review contractors may get asked to submit additional information to support 2024-25 flu reimbursement claims. Thro