Dispute resolution
The NHSLA is responsible for ensuring a prompt and fair resolution of disputes between primary care practitioners and their local Primary Care Trusts (PCTs). Primary care practitioners include GPs, dentists, opticians and pharmacists. This area of work is handled by our Family Health Services Appeal Unit (FHSAU) which encompasses the following services:
- Determining appeals against PCT decisions in accordance with the NHS (Pharmaceutical Services) Regulations 2005 concerning the provision of NHS pharmaceutical services. Such appeals generally relate to the proposed opening of a new pharmacy, relocation of an existing pharmacy, or the provision of dispensing services by GPs;
- Dealing with contractual disputes between GPs/dentists/opticians and their local PCTs under the new contractual arrangements for GPs/dentists/opticians;
- Handling disputes over the assessment of GP Registrars’ allowances under the Directions to Strategic Health Authorities concerning GP Registrars, which came into force in November 2003;
- Handling other occasional appeals and applications under various regulations governing primary care;
- Maintaining a database of Primary Care practitioners who have had restrictions placed upon their inclusion on Primary Care Performer Lists by PCTs: and
- Carrying out Fitness to Practice checks against the Restrictions database, following requests by PCTs.
Decisions are made by either the Pharmacy Appeal Committee, an Oral Hearing Panel appointed by the NHSLA or an Officer of the NHSLA dependent upon which Regulations apply. For those who wish to refer to them, decision letters issued following consideration of the above are available on this website for six months after a decision has been made.
For more information about the work of the FHSAU see NHSLA Factsheet 6.