PSNC Deal with Government Make sure you claimmmmmm

When the coronavirus pandemic began and most businesses closed, community pharmacies had to remain open, consequently contractors suffered enormous strain on service delivery, and invested massively in staff and physical changes to the pharmacy to enable safe working and to provide a service. In addition the dispensing workload increased exponentially. Consequently the Dept of Health had to put in a cash injection in the form of a £370M loan to community pharmacies to enable them to avoid bankruptcy. 

You will have likely heard about the PSNC deal with HM Government regarding Pharmacies and their Covid Costs.  There were 2 main elements to the announcement.  There was an agreed deal to allow pharmacies to put a claim in for covid costs and there was the need for pharmacies to pay pack the £370 million advance payment made last year.

Whilst we are disappointed that the advance was not written off as has been seen in other areas of the NHS,  especially given  the sector maintained almost a full service through out, we welcome the fact that pharmacies can claim their expenses back.  The current plan is for the advance to be paid back over 6 months starting in October. 

We would strongly encourage pharmacy contractors to read the guidance thoroughly and ensure they make a claim for any expenses they are entitled to claim.  This is vital to help mitigate the problems that the claw back may cause. 

For full details and guidance please click here to visit the PSNC website.  We understand contractor frustration at the potential administrative burden however we understand some of the pharmacy organisations (e.g. NPA)  will also be looking to help contractors to ensure they make claims correctly and efficiently.

PLEASE NOTE THE CLAIM PERIOD IS BETWEEN 5TH JULY & 15TH AUGUST.