DHSC to introduce Hub and Spoke Model 1

This week, the Government confirmed that it is introducing Hub and Spoke dispensing Model 1 and changes to the Human Medicines Regulations 2012 will be made in the coming weeks.

In 2022, DHSC consulted for a second time on Hub and Spoke dispensing between community pharmacy businesses. They proposed two models:

• Model 1, where the medicines are returned assembled from the hub to the spoke pharmacy for supply to the patient (patient – spoke – hub – spoke – patient)
• Model 2, where the hub pharmacy supplies medicines directly to the patient (patient – spoke – hub – patient)

We responded to the consultation (see our response here) and have since continued to reinforce our view with DHSC that only Model 1 should be introduced. We were concerned with patient safety and regulatory issues with Model 2. (Very briefly, a lack of clarity for patients on which pharmacy/pharmacist was responsible for what, and the potential proliferation of hubs undermining the integrity of the market entry controls).

On Tuesday this week in Parliament, Minister Stephen Kinnock confirmed that DHSC will be “going with” Model 1. The Minister also explained that the Department intends to lay draft secondary legislation “in the coming weeks” with the intention of hub and spoke being available later in the year.

The full debate on hub and spoke can be found on the Hansard – UK Parliament website: Community Pharmacy – Hansard – UK Parliament