£340 million community pharmacy investment plan announced

The government has announced a £340 million funding package for community pharmacy services in England, aimed at expanding the range of NHS care available on the high street.

Under a new contractual framework, pharmacists who hold an independent prescribing qualification will be able to assess patients and prescribe medicines directly for certain conditions. The changes are due to be introduced from autumn 2026 and build on the existing Pharmacy First service.

The Department of Health and Social Care say the initiative is intended to improve access to treatment, reduce the need for GP referrals and make greater use of pharmacists’ clinical skills. Patients may be able to receive assessment, treatment and medicines for a wider range of common conditions through their local pharmacy.

It is also expected that the proposed changes will help reduce pressure on GP practices, urgent treatment centres and hospital emergency departments by enabling more care to be delivered in community settings.

Minister of State for Care, Stephen Kinnock, commented: “…we are making the most of our highly skilled pharmacists, while boosting access to services and giving patients more care right on their doorstep. Independent prescribing will play a major part in delivering this shift.”

Link to the announcement here.

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