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A community pharmacy payment system introduced in July 2023 has left pharmacy owners with payment shortfalls and delays, community pharmacy bodies have said.
The National Pharmacy Association (NPA) called on Neil Gray, the Scottish health secretary, to intervene to help with what it says are “pharmacies left in financial chaos” following the introduction of a new data capture validation and pricing (nDCVP) process by NHS National Services Scotland (NSS), which provides national strategic support services and expert advice to NHS Scotland.
On 25 July 2024, the NPA said: “In some cases, pharmacies report shortfalls of tens of thousands pounds due to errors in the data capture validation and pricing process introduced by NHS NSS.
“On other occasions, NHS boards have clawed back money from pharmacies at short notice, following processing errors that had initially resulted in an overpayment.
“Despite recent improvements, pharmacies have reported repeated errors in the system. Now a full year after the system was launched, pharmacies are still reporting significant problems and still have no notice nor clarity of what they are getting paid,” it added.
The nDVCP is a digital pharmacy payment system, claimed to offer “improved automation, fully supported software components and the flexibility to adapt to a paperless prescribing future“.
A spokesperson for Community Pharmacy Scotland (CPS) said to The Pharmaceutical Journal on 26 July 2024: “Due to unforeseen technical issues, this [new system] led to delays in accurate monthly payments to community pharmacy owners.
“Contractors received estimated payments based on their most recent activity. Payment reports showing the detailed breakdown of payments were significantly delayed, meaning pharmacies were unable to manage their finances effectively and had little idea or confidence as to whether they had been under or overpaid.
“Where contractors’ finances became critical and there was a risk to the viability of the business, they were able to apply for an advanced payment on a case-by-case basis. For contractors, this period of uncertainty and instability has been distressing and has impacted on their trust in the payments system.
“We are pleased that NSS has been able to return to the regular payment timescales but there are still elements of the new system that are not performing as expected. CPS continues to work closely with NSS colleagues to resolve these issues.
“CPS is advocating for a more robust, more transparent, and quicker payment system going forward.”
Elaine Aggleton, who owns three pharmacies in Lanarkshire pharmacies and one in Dundee, told the Press Association on 25 July 2024 that the payment system left her with a £30,000 shortfall, which caused her to have to cut overtime and cut back on some stocks and supplies.
In a statement also given to the Press Association, Martin Morrison, associate director at NHS NSS, said: “We recognise and apologise for the impact of these issues and thank everyone for their patience as we resolved them.
“In July 2023, we implemented an interim payment solution using estimates based on recent claiming activity, ensuring no community pharmacy was left short due to the use of estimated payments.
“As of February 2024, payments are now based on actual dispensed items. Overpayments have been addressed, with a reconciliation completed and independently audited.
“We continue to remedy any remaining payment issues promptly. NHS NSS remains committed to working closely with community pharmacies, NHS boards, Community Pharmacy Scotland and other stakeholders to ensure accurate payments and clear communications are provided.”
A spokesperson for the Scottish government told The Pharmaceutical Journal on 26 July 2024: “We are aware that, following the introduction of the new data capture and validation pricing system by NHS NSS, there were issues regarding payments being made to community pharmacy contractors.
“The Scottish government has been assured by NSS that any incorrect payments have been, or are being, rectified.
“Scottish government officials, NSS and CPS are engaging with all relevant stakeholders, including the NPA, as we continue to monitor the situation.”
