2022-03-17 9:43:16
The Department of Health and Social Care has just launched its long-awaited consultation on hub and spoke dispensing https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/hub-and-spoke-dispensing
Currently, one pharmacy cannot dispense medicines for another without a manufacturer’s licence, but there is an exemption in section 10 of the Medicines Act 1968 for pharmacies in common ownership. DHSC is proposing to remove the requirement for pharmacies to be in common ownership and is looking at two possible models: (1) where a dispensing hub sends dispensed medicines to a spoke for onward supply to patients; and (2) where supplies can be made directly from the hub to patients.
Leaving aside the political and economic issues surrounding hub and spoke dispensing, there are significant legal implications. PLEA will submit a response to the consultation. We welcome any views from members that we can consider for inclusion. Comments should be sent to davidreissner1@gmail.com by 5pm on 31 March 2022.