The DDA Podcast

In this episode, the DDA speaks to the three mainland Britain GPCs to find out more about their progress towards achieving a sustainable dispensing contract in Wales, Scotland and England. DDA Communications Officer Ailsa Colquhoun spoke to: GPC Wales Deputy Chair Dr Ian HarrisScottish GPC Deputy Chair Dr Al Miles (from 13m 08s)GPC England Chair Dr Katie Bramall-Stainer (from 25m 40s)Referenced in the podcast are: The Welsh Senedd Health and Social Care Committee ReportThe DDA 2026 Scottish Parliament and Welsh Senedd manifestos and supporting resources

In this episode DDA Communications Officer Ailsa Colquhoun speaks with Philip Edwards, Head of Pharmaceutical Services and Principal Pharmacist, at NHS BSA Prescription Services on the subject of best practice with the Drug Tariff for England and Wales. In this episode, you will find out where to find information on endorsing items and submitting payment claims, when to look out for changes to the Drug Tariff, and where to find other resources to help you to reduce reimbursement 'surprises'.There is also information on the new Category H. There are references in the podcast to the following resources: The Drug Tariff for England & Wales: Drug Tariff | NHSBSA NHS BSA newsletter: Hints & Tips  Concession Prices NHS dictionary of medicines and devices (dm+d) 

In this episode, we take a look at the challenges facing dispensing practices as electronic prescribing (and dispensing) systems roll out across England and Wales (the Electronic Prescription Service) and in Scotland (the Digital Prescribing and Dispensing Pathways programme). Hear the latest news on these systems from DDA Board Members: Dr Mike Barstow (England)Dr Fiona Porter (Wales, from: 12.45s)Dr Hal Maxwell (Scotland, from: 23.30s) 

In this episode, DDA Board Member Mark Stone, pharmacist partner at the Tamar Valley Practice in Cornwall, looks at the changes to workflow and layout, buying and use of technology that the smarter dispensary can make to improve profitability and efficiency. 

Frosty" relations between the BMA and the DHSC leave dispensing contract negotiations in a fragile state. However, the DDA has a plan of action to protect dispensing practices as the challenges of 2025 fade into the New Year.  Listen in to hear how the DDA will approach the challenges of 2026 in this new podcast 

"They expect excellence  but are paying for base-line survival". That sums up many of the challenges facing dispensing practices in Wales, according to DDA Wales chair Dr Fiona Porter in this podcast. Listen in to hear the work she is doing to overcome challenges such as the shared contract with England, item based funding, the Dispensing Services Quality Scheme (DSQS) and the NHS Wales IM&T budget.Check out all our podcasts at Podcasts | Dispensing Doctors' Association