Good evening everyone and welcome to our fourth Big Debate. Tonight we’ll be asking whether independent pharmacies can ever truly benefit from a hub-and-spoke dispensing model. It’s been the subject of years of intense debate within the sector, but with the Medicines and Medical Devices bill receiving royal assent in early February – potentially paving the way for all community pharmacies to operate a hub-and-spoke dispensing model, regardless of whether they are part of a chain or an independent – hub-and-spoke looks set towards being rolled out across the sector. So, what is the current legal framework? What can we learn from pharmacies already utilising hub-and-spoke? And how do we ensure that patient safety is at the forefront of any model adopted sector-wide? Let us know your thoughts by commenting below. The debate will formally close at 8pm, but feel free to continue the debate for as long as you like.

This week, the GPhC contacted some candidates who do not currently reside in the UK, informing them that they will no longer be allowed to sit the March registration exam remotely or at a local test centre. Did you receive an email from the GPhC? Let us know how the announcement affects you.

If not, why not? Did you apply to become a designated pharmacy-led site? Were you put off by the strict requirements? Are you eager to get involved, but haven't yet been given the opportunity? Or are you a bit reluctant to take on additional workload at this time? If you are involved, tell us about it! Use this room to share your opinions and experiences - the highs and lows - shout about the fab work your team are doing, or just have a chat with fellow pharmacists and pharmacy staff about the ongoing COVID-19 vaccination programme.