The pharmacy cuts judicial review in Tweets

In an unprecedented event this week, disputes between pharmacy organisations and the Government reached fever pitch in a court battle to overturn controversial cuts to English community pharmacy funding.

The Pharmaceutical Services Negotiating Committee (PSNC) and the National Pharmacy Association (NPA) were granted permission last year to mount a legal challenge against the Department of Health's (DH) £320m funding cuts to the sector.

During the hearing, which took place at the High Court between 21 and 23 March, judge Mr Justice Collins heard evidence from all three parties.

A Department of Health spokesperson said: 'We believe the changes implemented in December 2016 will improve the service offered to the public by, for example, introducing a quality-based payment and by further integrating pharmacy with primary care. We are ensuring that we make better use of pharmacists' valuable clinical skills, and allocate taxpayers' money more efficiently.

'We have sought to persuade the Court that the case put forward by the PSNC and NPA is without merit. It is not appropriate to comment further whilst we await the outcome of these legal proceedings.'

Read on to find out how the sector reacted to the dramatic case on Twitter as it unfolded.

PSNC's legal representative seemed unimpressed by the Government's attitude towards the sector.

Quote of the day so far must be PSNC Counsel describing @Jeremy_Hunt plan for community pharmacy as a "back of a Ministerial fag packet" job

— Andrea James (@HealthRegLawyer) 21 March 2017

The judge presiding over the case observed that the Government was not overly worried about the high number of potential closures due to the cuts.

"Clearly was not of concern [to DH] that up to 3000 pharmacies might close" Mr Justice Collins

— Andrea James (@HealthRegLawyer) 21 March 2017

On the hearing's second day, Chancellor of the Exchequer Phillip Hammond's wish to create 'efficiencies' in the sector became apparent after a letter he wrote to Prime Minister Theresa May was presented as evidence.

Take a look at what the Chancellor thinks about community pharmacy @kevinbarronmp unbelievable approach to SMEs and community resources! pic.twitter.com/iCsh0R5sy3

— Mike Hewitson (@MikeHewitson1) 22 March 2017

Mr Justice Collins pointed out what he saw as flaws in the Government's funding plans.

My favourite quote from the judge "the integration fund - putting pharmacists in GP practice won't help areas where there are no GPs"

— Mike Hewitson (@MikeHewitson1) 22 March 2017

DL - DH to Minister "it is imprudent to predict how many pharmacies would close". Except they did, many, many times pic.twitter.com/38lmTzDukc

— Mike Hewitson (@MikeHewitson1) 22 March 2017

On the third and final day of the hearing, the DH's defence attracted criticism from the sector after it referred to pharmacy's retail offering, noting that Boots in Waterloo station sells sandwiches.

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) 23 March 2017

Justice Collins noted the need for a quick outcome to the case as the funding package is already in place. The judgement is expected to be given during the week of 3 April. Pharmacists have mixed predictions as to the result.

@MikeHewitson1 @Pharmacist_News interesting. Sounds like @PSNCNews and @NPA1921 lawyers giving it all they've got, though - fingers crossed

— Beth Kennedy (@Beth_L_Kennedy) 23 March 2017

@Beth_L_Kennedy @Pharmacist_News @davidreissner Let's be optimistic. We have an excellent case. Hammond got it wrong about NICS..

— Graham Phillips (@grahamsphillips) 23 March 2017
Related Article: Pharmacies’ clinical services offering to expand under NHS 10-year plan

For a breakdown of the hearing as it happened, click the links below.

Day one

Day two

Day three