The Pharmaceutical Services Negotiating Committee (PSNC) has made further representations that pharmacy contractors in England are still experiencing cash flow issues. In light of the concerns expressed, there will be a one-off increase to the Advance Payment which will be paid to contractors at the end of November for NHS pharmaceutical services provided in October of 12p per prescription item. The full and final payment for services provided in October will be reconciled as per usual processes at the end of December.
Contractors were alerted last month that the increase to advance payment for September’s NHS pharmaceutical services will be reconciled as per usual processes at the end of November.
Q&A
1) Why might pharmacy contractors be still experiencing cash flow issues?
The PSNC are concerned about fluctuations in contractors’ payments. This is a continuation to further smooth out the payments.
2) Is it a one-off amendment to the advance payment or will it continue beyond November?
The amendment has only been confirmed for one month.
3) How will this amendment impact on Clinical Commissioning Groups?
The advance payment for NHS pharmaceutical services provided in September will be reconciled as per usual processes at the end of November. Therefore it will be cost neutral to the NHS.