Page 15 - P4304.1-V97_PS-Magazine-May 2024

Innovative solutions Networking opportunities
“One of the most persistent challenges we face “I’m passionate about networking. As
is the disruption caused by items going out of
stock. PSUK, however, has devised innovative
measures to mitigate such disruptions and
minimise losses.
A recent example is the sudden surge in price
and scarcity of some common generics. While
many local chemists struggled to procure
stock at exorbitant prices, PSUK proactively
ring-fenced substantial quantities exclusively
for our APM/Keys customers. This ensured
uninterrupted dispensing for our patients.
Such instances are more common than one
might imagine, but the vigilant team at PSUK
continuously monitors the market dynamics,
making proactive decisions to prevent stock
shortages. If you spot ‘KEYS’ on your invoice,
rest assured that these are the drugs PSUK has
safeguarded exclusively for Keys customers.”
Challenges and solutions
“One challenge PSUK helped me with, was
around losses we were making on items
found in Part 9 of the Drug Tariff (Dressings,
bandages, blood glucose testing strips) etc.
They helped us understand and we now use
a Dispensing Appliance Contractor (DAC) for
some of these items. This is an organisation
that will dispense appliances on our behalf in
return for the prescription.
We use a company called NuCare who PSUK
put us in contact with. This has resulted in a
range of items we were making a loss on into a
small profit. In this climate every little helps!”
Learning and development
“As a PSUK member we have access to the
training events and conferences that PSUK
provide. Some of these educational events
have been particularly useful to new members
or our dispensing team. We have been to
events to learn about CDs, understanding VAT,
and management training.
There is currently a fantastic 5-part pre-
recorded series on Dispensary Profitability on
the PSUK website. I highly encourage all to
watch it.
I met recently with Richard and Lois from the
PSUK team. Instead of telling me what training
is available they instead asked me ‘What
training do you want’? They want to hear from
us Dispensing Practices and help us by putting
on bespoke education to cater to our current
needs!”
or call us on 01904 558 350
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dispensing practices, we are not in competition
with each other and therefore sharing tips can
help us all stay sustainable!
Locally me and my colleague Dr Ben Inglis
started the Wessex Dispensing Forum. This is
a forum for local dispensing Practice to come
together to share best tips, especially around
loss and profitability.
PSUK have been very supportive of the
initiative , attending both of our events to date.
At a more national level the PSUK live
conference offers educational and networking
opportunities and its free for members!”
Future expectations
“With inflation, drug shortages and rising staff
costs our short-term future is going be rocky
and utilising as many resources as possible
essential.
PSUK are working on their reporting templates
to make it simpler to work out what we have
ordered, paid and tying this up to our MDS
reimbursement.
They have asked me to help with the user
experience to make it as easy as possible for
us GPs, Practice Managers and Dispensary
Managers to use. Watch this space!”
Final thought
“Lastly, whilst we are busier than ever it’s
important, we still try and have fun and I’m
sure my dispensing colleagues enjoy the many
jokes I tell them…
What does Mufasa take for his cholesterol?
Simbastatin.”
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Empowering Dispensaries | PS Magazine 15
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15/04/2024 11:42:28