Dispensing Doctors' Association

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

17/06/2025

Exhibition space in the 2025 DDA Conference is filling up.

At the 2025 DDA Conference there are currently 32 exhibitors confirmed. Newcomers for 2025 include B&S Distribution, Becton Dickinson, Bausch & Lomb, Cipla, Curaleaf, Dispensary Market, General Practice Solutions, MediProcurement and Kent.

There is a great mix of wholesalers, manufacturers, dispensing hardware suppliers and seven companies specialising in dispensary profitability.

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

The conference provides an ideal opportunity for dispensers, dispensary managers, practice managers, pharmacy technicians, pharmacists, and GPs to network, and we are delighted to offer DDA member practices free places for all members of their teams. Delegate packages include a light lunch and our ever-popular drinks reception on the Wednesday evening.

To register to attend or to book the remaining exhibition space, visit www.dispensingdoctor.org/conference

21/05/2025

The DDA, in collaboration with BMA Cymru, has published a guide to maintaining dispensary profitability. Although focused on Wales, many principles also apply in England and Scotland.
The guide covers:
Discounts/drug costs
Endorsements
Submissions
VAT
Useful resources
Patient satisfaction
Staffing
Profitability review
View the guidance online

19/05/2025

Details of the DDA's 2025 conference programme are now available.
Headlining the DDA 2025 Annual Conference is keynote speaker, health policy commentator and writer Roy Lilley, the DDA has announced.

Other highlights include a forensic analysis of primary care funding by DDA Board Member Dr David Jenner, who will wield his scalpel to expose the truth about GP funding, prescription submission hints and tips, the DDA chairman's address and AGM.

The 2025 DDA conference takes place at the National Conference Centre, Birmingham on Wednesday 24 and Thursday 25 September 2025.

For further details how to book your free DDA member delegate place and to exhibit at the conference, visit:

Headlining the DDA 2025 Annual Conference is keynote speaker, health policy commentator and writer Roy Lilley, the DDA has announced.

28/04/2025

Booking for the 2025 DDA conference is now open. Free places for DDA members are allocated on a first-come-first-served basis.

To secure your place, register now at https://www.eventsforce.net/pcc/3349/home

23/04/2025

Congratulations to five DDA members who polled top for positive GP experience. In the top 10 on this measure are:

Blackdown Practice in Cullompton, Devon
Elsenham Surgery, near Bishops Stortford, Herts
Hamstreet Surgery, near Ashford, Kent
Cartmel Surgery, near Grange over Sands, Cumbria
Corfe Castle Surgery, Corfe Castle, Dorset.

Blackdown scored 100 per cent. However, all practices in the top 10 have positive GP experience scores of over 99 per cent.

According to the study, the average for all England GPs on patient satisfaction is 79.36 per cent.
Read more at https://www.dispensingdoctor.org/news/dda-members-stand-out-in-gp-experience-poll/

08/04/2025

The DDA has launched a dispensary profitability survey to assess the impact of the proposed employer NI increases on the dispensary operation.
The survey is anonymous and seeks information about the staffing and size of the dispensary operation, basic information about dispensing profitability, and how partners plan to cover the increased dispensary staffing costs, following the increased employer NI costs in effect from April 6.
The DDA aims to use the findings to highlight the impact of the increased operational costs on the practice, staff and its patients. The information will also help the DDA, on your behalf, to seek an urgent increase in dispensary remuneration (the dispensing fee) to at least cover these costs.
Please help us to help you. Please take the survey

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/62FYCGB

The survey will close on Friday 25 April.

01/04/2025

Increased employer costs come into effect from today. However, dispensing GPs are yet to see any additional funding for their dispensary teams. Medicine safety and quality needs a safe and quality dispensary team. But, where's the money for it?
Read our press release to see why GP dispensary teams deserve better

The Dispensing Doctors’ Association (DDA) has again urged policymakers to ensure GP dispensing fees recognise the increased GP dispensary operational costs taking effect from today (April 1, 2025).