Simon Dukes

Formal talks on contractual arrangements for the 2021-22 funding year have kicked off between PSNC, NHS England and the DH. 

PSNC writes to chancellor Rishi Sunak ahead of today’s budget announcement to warn him that “many pharmacies” could be forced to close.

The GP referral arm of the consultation service has got off to an “incredibly disappointing” start says PSNC chief Dukes.

Over 600 pharmacies in England have closed since 2016 and 200 in the last year alone, with those in deprived areas worst affected says PSNC chief.

Treasury's refusal to offer contractors more cash is 'not in line with ministers' promises' says PSNC chief Simon Dukes. 

Negotiator forced to air grievances in public due to the unwillingness of policy makers to engage on key issues, says Simon Dukes.

Government under intense criticism for failing to deploy England’s community pharmacy network to help deliver Covid vaccinations on a wide scale.

Simon Dukes says he is hopeful the Covid-19 pandemic will help put an end to competition between pharmacies and GP surgeries over flu jabs.

The PSNC and the Government are still far apart on agreeing the Covid-19 costs incurred by contractors during the pandemic.

Community pharmacies vaccinated more than 650,000 NHS patients in the first three weeks of this year’s flu jab service.

PSNC chief Simon Dukes has said the negotiator will be prepared to walk away from any inadequate funding deal proposed by the Government.

Community pharmacies should stop providing free services, the PSNC has warned.

There has been a net decrease of at least 139 community pharmacies in England since 2018-19, the PSNC has warned.

In a pharmacy trade press exclusive, PSNC chief Simon Dukes has spoken of his frustration with NHS England.

Pharmacies may now use an ‘army’ of NHS volunteer responders to deliver medicines – but many are concerned about the safety implications.

The PSNC has said it is pushing for an urgent cash injection from the government before the weekend.

Simon Dukes has provided an update on progress on the first annual contract review.

PSNC will not wait for annual review to put case for further investment.

The review will explore issues such as how the support offered by PSNC and LPCs could be improved.

Deputy chief pharmaceutical officer Bruce Warner said CPCS is a “step change” in the way people access community pharmacists.