PCA(P)(2023)01 - Advance Payment January 2023

Published: 13/01/23

This circular advises of the introduction of an advance cash payment to be paid to eligible community pharmacies, dispensing doctor practices and DAC suppliers in January 2023.

Background

Agreement has been reached with Community Pharmacy Scotland for the introduction of an advance cash payment totalling £28.764m. This will be paid to contractors as a proportionate share of the August 2022 (paid October 2022) dispensing activity. Payment will be made by Practitioner and Counter Fraud Services on 23 January 2023.

Eligibility for the dispensing payment is to be on the pharmaceutical list from 1 August 2022 and having a calculated based dispensing payment for that month.

Advance payments can only be made in limited circumstances and only when there is exceptional service need. It is important the any public monies are recovered at the earliest opportunity. Details on recovery clawback will be provided in the coming weeks and will be based on network conditions.

Consultation

Community Pharmacy Scotland has been consulted on the contents of this circular.

Action

NHS Boards are asked to:

• note the contents of this circular;

• copy this circular to all community pharmacy contractors on their pharmaceutical lists, dispensing GP practices, Health and Social Care Partnerships and the Area Pharmaceutical Committee.