Day three of the High Court funding cuts battle
Get the latest from the third day of PSNC and the NPA's legal challenge to the funding cuts in England, live from the Royal Courts of Justice in London.
Welcome to C+D's rolling live coverage of the third day of the pharmacy funding cuts case in the High Court in London. For information on all the key players, as well as how the sector got to this point, read our in-depth summary here.
Follow @CandDAnnabelle for real-time updates on Twitter, or click here to catch up on everything from yesterday's hearing – including the "sensational" letter from the chancellor to Theresa May, reassuring her over the pharmacy cuts.
For reference, 'AF' is PSNC's lawyer Alison Foster QC, 'JC' refers to judge Justice Collins, and DL refers to the NPA's lawyer David Lock QC. 'JE' is the Department of Health's QC, James Eadie.
Result
After three days of evidence, revelations, and some "spiky" exchanges, C+D's deputy news editor Annabelle Collins wraps up #CutsInCourt
"This case was not just about reversing the funding cuts, but establishing the truth." Stephen Fishwick gives the NPA's summary of the High Court hearing
And that's the end. Court dismissed. Judgement prediction week of April 3. #CutsInCourt
— Annabelle Collins (@CandDAnnabelle) March 23, 2017
Yes this is the short to medium term impact of cuts - less service - more strain on A&E, GPs and Out of Hours. https://t.co/4HXzUvwDGd
— Mike Hewitson (@MikeHewitson1) March 23, 2017
C+D poll on if funding cuts will be reversed on a knife edge between "yes" and "some concessions" - have ur say https://t.co/kITIcmYFwg pic.twitter.com/6hzkL6XNwp
— Thomas Cox (@CandDThomas) March 23, 2017
Fundamental holes in DH logic, unless JC stands up to them I fear no-one can hold govt and civil servants to account for bad policy. https://t.co/kgt0uqtbJv
— Mike Hewitson (@MikeHewitson1) March 23, 2017
DL: my learned friend opened case saying cp get 90% of income from NHS funds #CutsInCourt
— Annabelle Collins (@CandDAnnabelle) March 23, 2017
DL: the notion that trained pharmacists spending time selling shampoo is not part of evidence in this case #CutsInCourt
— Annabelle Collins (@CandDAnnabelle) March 23, 2017
Perhaps the last pic of RCJ for a while - back outside awaiting end of day 3's #CutsInCourt proceedings pic.twitter.com/FhWzhunoKK
— Thomas Cox (@CandDThomas) March 23, 2017
DL: The Phas was there to give 1% extra income #CutsInCourt
— Annabelle Collins (@CandDAnnabelle) March 23, 2017
DL: Ministers took these decisions based on an assessment they would have no impact on patients #CutsInCourt
— Annabelle Collins (@CandDAnnabelle) March 23, 2017
DL: Even if the pharmacy stays open- the service provided is diminished #CutsInCourt
— Annabelle Collins (@CandDAnnabelle) March 23, 2017
@CandDAnnabelle my current next door neighbour IS a pharmacist @CandDKristoffer pic.twitter.com/CkbD5RWBLj
— Grace Lewis (@CandDGrace) March 23, 2017
DL: JE said on a number of occasions is 'there is plenty of rural deprivation'. This evidence was not presented to minister #CutsInCourt
— Annabelle Collins (@CandDAnnabelle) March 23, 2017
JC: Phas is not designed to deal with anything other than access to medicines #CutsInCourt
— Annabelle Collins (@CandDAnnabelle) March 23, 2017
DL is referring a DH doc about languages #CutsInCourt
— Annabelle Collins (@CandDAnnabelle) March 23, 2017
JC: My next door neighbour has a daughter who is a pharmacist #CutsInCourt
— Annabelle Collins (@CandDAnnabelle) March 23, 2017
DL back on languages provided in the Walsall pharmacy #CutsInCourt
— Annabelle Collins (@CandDAnnabelle) March 23, 2017
David Lock doing final submission #CutsInCourt
— Annabelle Collins (@CandDAnnabelle) March 23, 2017
Good point. @HealthRegLawyer could you shed some light? What is best case scenario after this week? #CutsInCourt https://t.co/Pc4Cn47ZxL
— Grace Lewis (@CandDGrace) March 23, 2017
I have no words.... #CutsInCourt #pharmacy @ChemistDruggist @ashsoni0607 @RSharmaPharma @GL_Pharmacy @grahamsphillips @PamBahia1 @MrsQuaye https://t.co/BaQ4n0NgbM
— Nadia Bukhari (@NadiaBukhariUCL) March 23, 2017
JC: not improper of DH to ask to be informed . #CutsInCourt
— Annabelle Collins (@CandDAnnabelle) March 23, 2017
AF: non disclosure was because DH thought it would 'cause confusion' #CutsInCourt
— Annabelle Collins (@CandDAnnabelle) March 23, 2017
AF: PSNC believed that this time they were deliberately not shown materials. This is 'perfectly clear' Foster says #CutsInCourt
— Annabelle Collins (@CandDAnnabelle) March 23, 2017
AF: had DH fairly and lawfully shown PSNC it's analysis - could have been shown there was a fundamental misconception #CutsInCourt
— Annabelle Collins (@CandDAnnabelle) March 23, 2017
AF: fatal flaw - the drug tariff was the wrong way to go around making these cuts #CutsInCourt
— Annabelle Collins (@CandDAnnabelle) March 23, 2017
Judge acknowledges dealing with a 'very special' kind of market #CutsInCourt
— Annabelle Collins (@CandDAnnabelle) March 23, 2017
If local NHS services slide, remember @Jeremy_Hunt has a DUTY to reduce, not increase inequality. Challenge him. pic.twitter.com/vEoCJNQwFe
— Dr Ben White (@drbenwhite) March 23, 2017
AF: the SOS has got to understand what the effect of his policy would be #CutsInCourt
— Annabelle Collins (@CandDAnnabelle) March 23, 2017
AF: what if that 15% was actually 1.5%? There isn't a test of cruciality. 2 tests coincide. #CutsInCourt
— Annabelle Collins (@CandDAnnabelle) March 23, 2017
This should be painted on the walls of the court. And the cabinet office. https://t.co/REC7pNtICV
— Xrayser (@Xrayser) March 23, 2017
AF: There is nothing in law that suggests the Tameside duty can. E dispensed with #CutsInCourt
— Annabelle Collins (@CandDAnnabelle) March 23, 2017
H&SC Act duty 1c what we are arguing in court @drbenwhite @CandDAnnabelle
— Mike Hewitson (@MikeHewitson1) March 23, 2017
Tweeted the Tameside case AF referenced earlier #CutsInCourt
— Annabelle Collins (@CandDAnnabelle) March 23, 2017
AF: Case law shows judicially that the Tameside duty 'is on minister's shoulders' #CutsInCourt
— Annabelle Collins (@CandDAnnabelle) March 23, 2017
@CandDAnnabelle sorry - can't*
— Annabelle Collins (@CandDAnnabelle) March 23, 2017
AF: the analysis of the SOS is very light. #CutsInCourt
— Annabelle Collins (@CandDAnnabelle) March 23, 2017
JC: Pharmacy services save GPS / A&Es.. AF: part of rationale was we take it from you because it's worth more elsewhere #CutsInCourt
— Annabelle Collins (@CandDAnnabelle) March 23, 2017
AF says instead - we pharmacy give you £21 of national health benefit for £1 back - not a pound in a pound out #CutsInCourt
— Annabelle Collins (@CandDAnnabelle) March 23, 2017
AF argues DH said 'you pharmacy can spare money and produce money for elsewhere in the health service' 2/2 #CutsInCourt
— Annabelle Collins (@CandDAnnabelle) March 23, 2017
@ChemistDruggist No. If the judge rules against all the DH arguments what can he make DH actually do?
— totalhealthpharmacy (@mylocalpharmacy) March 23, 2017
AF: The content of the decision has been inaccurately represented - cut is not untypical in these times 1/2 #CutsInCourt
— Annabelle Collins (@CandDAnnabelle) March 23, 2017
AF: By making changes to the drugs tariff the SoS was able to comply to 2006 act #CutsInCourt
— Annabelle Collins (@CandDAnnabelle) March 23, 2017
AF now putting in short reply #CutsInCourt
— Annabelle Collins (@CandDAnnabelle) March 23, 2017
True, but even PhAS is a 3% cut, plus whatever efficiency tariff treasury apply next year. https://t.co/RoGt7tuf1S
— Mike Hewitson (@MikeHewitson1) March 23, 2017
DL: not enhanced service in witness' case, it is just what happens #CutsInCourt
— Annabelle Collins (@CandDAnnabelle) March 23, 2017
JE: Translation services don't fall without this budgetary envelope - they are dealt with separately #CutsInCourt
— Annabelle Collins (@CandDAnnabelle) March 23, 2017
JE: The effect on GPS was considered, 'utter nonsense' that it wasn't #CutsInCourt
— Annabelle Collins (@CandDAnnabelle) March 23, 2017
JE now onto clusters again. Not clustered b/c increase need - there are all sorts of reasons in cities - eg lucrative footfall #CutsInCourt
— Annabelle Collins (@CandDAnnabelle) March 23, 2017
@CandDAnnabelle pic.twitter.com/ZyjV8H8w2O
— Mike Hewitson (@MikeHewitson1) March 23, 2017
Eadie tackling the @NPA1921 case https://t.co/QuWSpDKZ1h
— Mike Hewitson (@MikeHewitson1) March 23, 2017
JE: What is important is you don't ignore fact that there will be a disproportionate effect on inner city areas #CutsInCourt
— Annabelle Collins (@CandDAnnabelle) March 23, 2017
JC: Difficult to see how you can have regard when you're increasing (health inequality) #CutsInCourt
— Annabelle Collins (@CandDAnnabelle) March 23, 2017
JC: one thing to say - yes we have regard but another thing to say it will increase if measures not taken #CutsInCourt
— Annabelle Collins (@CandDAnnabelle) March 23, 2017
JE: you recognise there is inequality in inner city areas and you take into account that fact when designing policy #CutsInCourt
— Annabelle Collins (@CandDAnnabelle) March 23, 2017
JE: this extends to whole of NHS #CutsInCourt
— Annabelle Collins (@CandDAnnabelle) March 23, 2017
JC: duty should be to reduce health inequality not increase them #CutsInCourt
— Annabelle Collins (@CandDAnnabelle) March 23, 2017
JC: There is an obligation to have a need to reduce health inequality #CutsInCourt
— Annabelle Collins (@CandDAnnabelle) March 23, 2017
JE: final legal principal point on health inequalities #CutsInCourt
— Annabelle Collins (@CandDAnnabelle) March 23, 2017
JC: I have doubts about the approach adopted. JE: So be it. #CutsInCourt
— Annabelle Collins (@CandDAnnabelle) March 23, 2017
No. However the scale may be mitigated and more credibility afforded our proposals for efficiencies https://t.co/P0aG4SXsX0
— Tony Schofield (@tony_schofield) March 23, 2017
While that is true under current arrangements it could easily be altered for generic substitution or simply not dispensing! @CandDAnnabelle
— Mike Hewitson (@MikeHewitson1) March 23, 2017
JC: the 15% shouldn't have been put to the minister - JE interjects- but judge says, no, it shouldn't have #CutsInCourt
— Annabelle Collins (@CandDAnnabelle) March 23, 2017
JC: There was an endeavour to cut. #CutsInCourt
— Annabelle Collins (@CandDAnnabelle) March 23, 2017
There was no lack of fairness at all and impediment for PSNC to submit proposals argues JE #CutsInCourt
— Annabelle Collins (@CandDAnnabelle) March 23, 2017
JE: PSNC had everything needed to make submissions on actual proposals #CutsInCourt
— Annabelle Collins (@CandDAnnabelle) March 23, 2017
JE: PSNC knew the amount of money available, the design of the PHAS, knew reductions CP could expect - this is the picture #CutsInCourt
— Annabelle Collins (@CandDAnnabelle) March 23, 2017
JE: some of the process did involve 'sensible proposals' and some changes were made #CutsInCourt
— Annabelle Collins (@CandDAnnabelle) March 23, 2017
DL has just raised that pharmacists can only dispense what is on the prescription - sometimes they suggest generic alternative #CutsInCourt
— Annabelle Collins (@CandDAnnabelle) March 23, 2017
JE is going over counter proposal chronologies. Wants to give flavour of why they were rejected #CutsInCourt
— Annabelle Collins (@CandDAnnabelle) March 23, 2017
JE: The DH set out its full package in April 2016 after PSNC proposals were rejected. Response was 'rejection' #CutsInCourt
— Annabelle Collins (@CandDAnnabelle) March 23, 2017
I think Gul Root from the DH is here. #CutsInCourt
— Annabelle Collins (@CandDAnnabelle) March 23, 2017
We're off again. Lots more civil servants have turned up #CutsInCourt
— Annabelle Collins (@CandDAnnabelle) March 23, 2017
1.30pm: The comment that attracted the greatest reaction on Twitter this morning...
Defence keeps referring to pharmacy's retail offering.
— Annabelle Collins (@CandDAnnabelle) March 23, 2017
'Boots in Waterloo sells sandwiches'. #CutsInCourt
@CandDAnnabelle Ridiculous - sandwiches have nothing to do with this! Stupid comment that just emphasises DH's ignorance of comm'ty pharmacy
— Andrea James (@HealthRegLawyer) March 23, 2017
@HealthRegLawyer @CandDAnnabelle There's a subway & costa in our hospital. Does that affect the funding that surgery gets?
— Allisons Chemist (@AllisonsChemist) March 23, 2017
@CandDAnnabelle so pharmacy adapts to survive and gov uses that as a stick to beat us with
— simon medley (@simeds) March 23, 2017
This is astounding. Pharmacists' worst fears about @DHgovuk attitude to sector finally confirmed #CutsInCourt https://t.co/sCDzHiz3IJ
— James Waldron (@CandDJamesW) March 23, 2017
@CandDAnnabelle @ChemistDruggist Greater proportion of Pharmacy income comes from NHS services than that of GP practices
— Kirit (@HaggerstonPharm) March 23, 2017
@CandDAnnabelle Am in a health centre with 2 surgeries and outpatient clinic today. Does the @WRVS café here impact any govt decisions?
— Ben Merriman (@blmerriman) March 23, 2017
@CandDAnnabelle Have never understood why pharmacy retail activities should subsidise #NHS dispensing.
— val.turner@worthing. (@valturner11) March 23, 2017
#CutsInCourt you can buy sandwiches in boots, though I did an 9hr shift with only tea and a stale jaffa! That pharmacy didn't sell sarnies.
— Kristoffer Stewart (@CandDKristoffer) March 23, 2017
@CandDJamesW @DHgovuk Also most pharmacies offerings are healthier than a 12" sub and a full fat coke!!
— Allisons Chemist (@AllisonsChemist) March 23, 2017
@ChemistDruggist I think he's doing his best to control the monster that is govt. I thought JR was all about the process. Here it was flawed
— Allisons Chemist (@AllisonsChemist) March 23, 2017
1pm: While #CutsInCourt adjourns for lunch, @CandDThomas is across London, witnessing a mock version...
#crspharmaconf reenactment with impact assessment, calculations on "ministerial fag packet" and industry insider reflect #CutsInCourt pic.twitter.com/GDdAV6S1ND
— Thomas Cox (@CandDThomas) March 23, 2017
#CutsInCourt The defense arguments seem to be around provision of pharmacies & their declaration that we will accept no cuts when in fact...
— Xrayser (@Xrayser) March 23, 2017
One must hope Eady & officials instructing him never need medication. They don't know difference between #pharmacy and a sandwich shop. https://t.co/Sk4BdKKPjp
— David Reissner (@davidreissner) March 23, 2017
#CutsInCourt ...pharmacy recognises need 4 NHS savings but challenges cuts as excessive unplanned random unstructured, & impact not assessed
— Xrayser (@Xrayser) March 23, 2017
Paused for discussing submitted written responses. Now lunch #CutsInCourt
— Annabelle Collins (@CandDAnnabelle) March 23, 2017
Excuse us for asking questions- I thought that was the point of a consultation! @CandDAnnabelle
— Mike Hewitson (@MikeHewitson1) March 23, 2017
@CandDAnnabelle because communication is such a problem?
— Kristoffer Stewart (@CandDKristoffer) March 23, 2017
Wish all the evidence of this "excessive" communication was publicly available & it didn't take a court case for facts to come to light https://t.co/QS1doAPLdB
— Grace Lewis (@CandDGrace) March 23, 2017
Yes it was mentioned in court yesterday - SOS Duties assessment - brutal read @CandDAnnabelle
— Mike Hewitson (@MikeHewitson1) March 23, 2017
No cuts did not have to fall on pharmacy services, we could have saved money on the drug bill - without hurting patients @canddannabelle
— Mike Hewitson (@MikeHewitson1) March 23, 2017
No PSNC offered to save money from other parts of the health budget - like the drugs bill which is perfectly reasonable. https://t.co/DSxiQ7ov2i
— Mike Hewitson (@MikeHewitson1) March 23, 2017
JE essentially saying PSNC and DH corresponded 'excessively' #CutsInCourt
— Annabelle Collins (@CandDAnnabelle) March 23, 2017
The PSNC said they suggested proper alternative means. JE about to pick apart I think #CutsInCourt
— Annabelle Collins (@CandDAnnabelle) March 23, 2017
If @NPA1921 @PSNCNews can prove this then surely they've won their case? #CutsInCourt https://t.co/U6fiA75MzS
— James Waldron (@CandDJamesW) March 23, 2017
Another key point. Do #pharmacies with backing of £bn-corporation need same financial protection as family-owned independent? #CutsInCourt https://t.co/yz2LKy1VgH
— James Waldron (@CandDJamesW) March 23, 2017
Exactly! The fundamental flaw in @DHgovuk's bizarre and short-sighted logic. #CutsInCourt https://t.co/WINyMy0rn6
— James Waldron (@CandDJamesW) March 23, 2017
DH said in letter Feb16: The decision to close a retail outlet is more complex than reflecting a reduction of income from one source'
— Annabelle Collins (@CandDAnnabelle) March 23, 2017
They were also told that the SOS did not have a detailed knowledge on individual businesses #CutsInCourt
— Annabelle Collins (@CandDAnnabelle) March 23, 2017
Recently the target was clearly identified. PSNC was told SOS was considering impact and viability #CutsInCourt
— Annabelle Collins (@CandDAnnabelle) March 23, 2017
JE: 3,000 closures comment was about how over subscribed the market it #CutsInCourt
— Annabelle Collins (@CandDAnnabelle) March 23, 2017
JE: The nature of PSNC's model was 'the most basic mathematical calculation' #CutsInCourt
— Annabelle Collins (@CandDAnnabelle) March 23, 2017
You haven't looked at resulting pressure in GPS and A&Es says Judge #CutsInCourt
— Annabelle Collins (@CandDAnnabelle) March 23, 2017
JE said PSNC wanted cuts to fall elsewhere #CutsInCourt
— Annabelle Collins (@CandDAnnabelle) March 23, 2017
JC: It was recognised that the cuts had to fall on pharmacy services, but were they done so in the fairest way #CutsInCourt
— Annabelle Collins (@CandDAnnabelle) March 23, 2017
JE is arguing the principles of fairness and criticality. #CutsInCourt
— Annabelle Collins (@CandDAnnabelle) March 23, 2017
JC: your answer to this is if you had disclosed closures it wouldn't have made any difference #CutsInCourt
— Annabelle Collins (@CandDAnnabelle) March 23, 2017
Judge asks JE if DH is arguing that if there are closures they deserved to close anyway #CutsInCourt
— Annabelle Collins (@CandDAnnabelle) March 23, 2017
JE: Applies principles. There are 2 main points: the consultation process was fair as a whole and also one around 'criticality' #cutsincourt
— Annabelle Collins (@CandDAnnabelle) March 23, 2017
JE: There are two themes: aspect of fairness and degree of impact #CuttingEdge
— Annabelle Collins (@CandDAnnabelle) March 23, 2017
We are now onto more 'legal principles' #CutsInCourt
— Annabelle Collins (@CandDAnnabelle) March 23, 2017
JE: still on precedents - in considering the seriousness of the consequence you must bear in mind the nature of the benefit. #CutsInCourt
— Annabelle Collins (@CandDAnnabelle) March 23, 2017
JE has been referring to legal precedents. One being: British dental association v general dental council #CutsInCourt
— Annabelle Collins (@CandDAnnabelle) March 23, 2017
JE: it is coherent to examine impact on an indicative basis - and design policy to proceed accordingly #CutsInCourt
— Annabelle Collins (@CandDAnnabelle) March 23, 2017
This is astounding. Pharmacists' worst fears about @DHgovuk attitude to sector finally confirmed #CutsInCourt https://t.co/sCDzHiz3IJ
— James Waldron (@CandDJamesW) March 23, 2017
JC: you can't have ministers spouting it as a material matter #CutsInCourt
— Annabelle Collins (@CandDAnnabelle) March 23, 2017
JC: it was wrong to allow ministers to refer to the 15% margin #CutsInCourt
— Annabelle Collins (@CandDAnnabelle) March 23, 2017
JC: it wasn't discarded as ministers referred to it. It was proper for ministers to undertake a body of work #CutsInCourt
— Annabelle Collins (@CandDAnnabelle) March 23, 2017
JC: why maintain the 15% and put it to the ministers? #CutsInCourt
— Annabelle Collins (@CandDAnnabelle) March 23, 2017
JE: they had that range of information. No one was suggesting this would cause problems with patient access #CutsInCourt
— Annabelle Collins (@CandDAnnabelle) March 23, 2017
JC: Why didn't your people give full (information) in the outset to avoid this problem? #CutsInCourt
— Annabelle Collins (@CandDAnnabelle) March 23, 2017
JC: What was behind this was your view pharmacies numbers need cutting by 25%? #CutsInCourt
— Annabelle Collins (@CandDAnnabelle) March 23, 2017
JE: It was appropriate to reduce the fees that targets those in clusters #CutsInCourt
— Annabelle Collins (@CandDAnnabelle) March 23, 2017
DH asked PSNC to put forward proposals argUES JE, using meetings of minutes #CutsInCourt
— Annabelle Collins (@CandDAnnabelle) March 23, 2017
Referring to meeting in Jan 2016 with S PSharpe and W Cavendish - he says PSNC recognise market needs reshaping and resizing #CutsInCourt
— Annabelle Collins (@CandDAnnabelle) March 23, 2017
PSNC funding working group meeting said cuts will lead to 'poor quality' Cps but says they won't close #CutsInCourt
— Annabelle Collins (@CandDAnnabelle) March 23, 2017
JE referencing a meeting with the PSNC. Argues it 'downplayed' risk of closures #CutsInCourt
— Annabelle Collins (@CandDAnnabelle) March 23, 2017
JE: The SoS also had discussions with representative bodies #cutsforacause
— Annabelle Collins (@CandDAnnabelle) March 23, 2017
Struggling to keep up w. @MikeHewitson1's live reactions to @CandDAnnabelle's reporting - but the gov's "derogatory tosh" is my fave so far https://t.co/wdHni9jH7m
— Grace Lewis (@CandDGrace) March 23, 2017
I’m not ashamed of retail, its part of our past, present and future. It keeps people coming in and subsidises the NHS contract. https://t.co/YIW1JEeteN
— Mike Hewitson (@MikeHewitson1) March 23, 2017
JE: the Sos knew what the amount cut would be - that is a product of maths #CutsInCourt
— Annabelle Collins (@CandDAnnabelle) March 23, 2017
The key must be the capacity of the pharmacists says the judge #CutsInCourt
— Annabelle Collins (@CandDAnnabelle) March 23, 2017
Doesn't seem impressed by that argument #CutsInCourt
— Annabelle Collins (@CandDAnnabelle) March 23, 2017
JC: people expect to buy shampoo from a pharmacy, judge tells Eadie #CutsInCourt
— Annabelle Collins (@CandDAnnabelle) March 23, 2017
JE referring to evidence now - a map showing clustering in a deprived area of Walsall. #CutsInCourt
— Annabelle Collins (@CandDAnnabelle) March 23, 2017
@CandDAnnabelle Ridiculous - sandwiches have nothing to do with this! Stupid comment that just emphasises DH's ignorance of comm'ty pharmacy
— Andrea James (@HealthRegLawyer) March 23, 2017
JE: The possible impact on market and closures hasn't been ignored #CutsInCourt
— Annabelle Collins (@CandDAnnabelle) March 23, 2017
Or we can go with the Government’s estimates! @canddannabelle pic.twitter.com/k0volRRg42
— Mike Hewitson (@MikeHewitson1) March 23, 2017
JE: It is difficult to estimate likely closures #CutsInCourt
— Annabelle Collins (@CandDAnnabelle) March 23, 2017
JC: you can't assume that if pharmacy a ceases, pharmacy b will pick up the slack #CutsInCourt
— Annabelle Collins (@CandDAnnabelle) March 23, 2017
JC: but if a pharmacy closes, another business will have to take on an extra pharmacist with no extra funding #CutsInCourt
— Annabelle Collins (@CandDAnnabelle) March 23, 2017
Otherwise of court didn't take well to that comment. 'It's just wrong!' I hear someone say #CutsInCourt
— Annabelle Collins (@CandDAnnabelle) March 23, 2017
JE: The specialist pharmacist 'lurks at the back' and their others in the pharmacy do shampoo #CutsInCourt
— Annabelle Collins (@CandDAnnabelle) March 23, 2017
Judge questions if others are at capacity #CutsInCourt
— Annabelle Collins (@CandDAnnabelle) March 23, 2017
JE: you are entitled to assume that if there are closures, will create further demand, for the benefit of others #CutsInCourt
— Annabelle Collins (@CandDAnnabelle) March 23, 2017
JE: this is not a static market - it should not be assumed that the level of cut will take a pharmacy below operating margin #CutsInCourt
— Annabelle Collins (@CandDAnnabelle) March 23, 2017
JE: don't be too quick to jump to the certainty there will be closures. He says he has a doc from PSNC #CutsInCourt
— Annabelle Collins (@CandDAnnabelle) March 23, 2017
JE: Don't assume that deprivation is just in urban areas #CutsInCourt
— Annabelle Collins (@CandDAnnabelle) March 23, 2017
JE: There will be protection. Judge responds - so a boots will get it as much as anyone else? #CutsInCourt
— Annabelle Collins (@CandDAnnabelle) March 23, 2017
JE: Phas is designed to support patient access #CutsInCourt
— Annabelle Collins (@CandDAnnabelle) March 23, 2017
JE: the key focus is on efficiency of pharmacy services. #CutsInCourt
— Annabelle Collins (@CandDAnnabelle) March 23, 2017
Secretary of State for Education and Science v Tameside MBC [1976] UKHL 6 (21 October 1976) https://t.co/80ScjHn0UX
— Andrea James (@HealthRegLawyer) March 22, 2017
This is the Tameside case #CutsInCourt https://t.co/GTKIoqex7E
— Annabelle Collins (@CandDAnnabelle) March 23, 2017
JE referring Tameside case as a legal precedent - focussing on the consideration the SOS has to take #CutsInCourt
— Annabelle Collins (@CandDAnnabelle) March 23, 2017
JC: So far as the claimants are concerned, it must be they want to try and make sure their member is able to 'remain in being' #CutsInCourt
— Annabelle Collins (@CandDAnnabelle) March 23, 2017
JE: the SoS has the statutory of duties that the legislation imposes. He is entitled to focus on that and neutral as to state of market
— Annabelle Collins (@CandDAnnabelle) March 23, 2017
JC: the fundamental obligation - there must be the ability to deliver to patients who have health needs #CutsInCourt
— Annabelle Collins (@CandDAnnabelle) March 23, 2017
JC: all will suffer, some terminally. JE: You have to accept that #CutsInCourt
— Annabelle Collins (@CandDAnnabelle) March 23, 2017
Justice Collins - the levels of cuts are treasury led. JE agrees. This does not depend on fine judgements about impact #CutsInCourt
— Annabelle Collins (@CandDAnnabelle) March 23, 2017
The gov has a finite pot of money argues JE #CutsInCourt
— Annabelle Collins (@CandDAnnabelle) March 23, 2017
However, the judge says, this need is across the board #CutsInCourt
— Annabelle Collins (@CandDAnnabelle) March 23, 2017
You can't challenge the need to make savings - JE
— Annabelle Collins (@CandDAnnabelle) March 23, 2017
Except what they are trying to do is reshape a market actively. Which is hardly neutral in policy terms. https://t.co/c3kreMJDCO
— Mike Hewitson (@MikeHewitson1) March 23, 2017
James Eadie: There is a need to make efficiency savings in the NHS- and the retail pharmacy sector is part of that #CutsInCourt
— Annabelle Collins (@CandDAnnabelle) March 23, 2017
In I go, will be hearing from James Eadie for all of today I think #CutsInCourt pic.twitter.com/98tKYi9cxH
— Annabelle Collins (@CandDAnnabelle) March 23, 2017
NPA chairman Ian Strachan was "delighted" with how yesterday's High Court hearing went – but are you hopeful the funding cuts will be quashed? Vote in C+D's poll
Respect due to @NPA1921 & @PSNCNews for taking the government on. Massive undertaking. This is for every pharmacist & patient.
— Allisons Chemist (@AllisonsChemist) March 22, 2017
I am proud of @NPA1921 for challenging the Government. Please note this is the value of a trade association run by members for members.
— Mike Hewitson (@MikeHewitson1) March 22, 2017
Are you hopeful the funding cuts will be quashed?