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PSNC rejects DH funding proposal

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PSNC rejects DH funding proposal

PSNC has bluntly rejected the Department of Health’s proposed funding package for 2016/17. The proposed deal includes "reckless cuts to pharmacy funding that will, if implemented, see patients suffer as services are withdrawn", according to contractors' negotiating body.

The DH will now have to propose a revised package or impose its proposed funding changes on England’s community pharmacies, says PSNC.

Rejecting the offer, it noted that the proposals:

  • Would reduce funding from December 2016 to March 2017 by 12 per cent on current levels, to set funding for this year at £2.687bn
  • Would reduce funding for 2017-18 by 7.4 per cent on current levels, to set funding at £2.592bn for that year
  • Would force pharmacies to reduce staffing and cut back on services
  • Are rooted in the government’s professed aim to close pharmacies.

Unlike all previous negotiations between community pharmacy and the Department of Health, this year’s negotiations were not characterised by collaborative working, says PSNC. "From the start, the proposals were presented by the Department as a fait accompli."

Full statement from PSNC can be read here.

Reaction to follow.

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