Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

NHSE faces challenges in Pharmacy First delivery due to necessary IT changes

NHSE faces challenges in Pharmacy First delivery due to necessary IT changes

The implementation of the digital infrastructure supporting Pharmacy First will take more time

Acknowledging the ongoing challenges in delivering the required IT systems for the scheduled launch of the Pharmacy First service on January 31, NHS England reported progress in fulfilling 'many' commitments outlined in its plan to enhance primary care access during a board meeting on Thursday.


However, it noted that the digital infrastructure supporting Pharmacy First, included in the £645 million fresh funding for community pharmacy, will require additional time for implementation.

“Delivery remains challenging due to changes needed in digital infrastructure, and we are working with suppliers to support January implementation,” NHSE said. “A public campaign is planned for 2024.”

The Pharmacy First service allows pharmacists to supply prescription-only medicines for seven common health conditions (sinusitis, sore throat, earache, infected insect bite, impetigo, shingles, and uncomplicated urinary tract infections in women), eliminating the need for a GP visit.

Meanwhile, NHSE is leveraging the widespread accessibility of pharmacies by expanding blood pressure monitoring and introducing direct prescribing of clinically safe oral contraceptives—an initiative that has been well-received.

Starting in spring 2024, NHSE aims to conduct 2.5 million annual blood pressure checks, a significant increase from 900,000 last year. “Projections indicate that this initiative could prevent over 1,350 heart attacks and strokes annually,” it added.

Almost half a million women are also expected to access the contraceptive pill without contacting their GP first. NHSE mentioned that the nhs.uk webpage will be regularly updated for easy access to nearby oral contraceptive providers as more pharmacies offer the service.

NHSE confirmed it is 'on track' to achieve 90 per cent of practices enabling patients to view their care records through the NHS app by March 2024. Furthermore, it emphasised reaching its goal of providing 90 per cent of practices with the capability for patients to book or cancel appointments online.

Its current focus is on achieving pivotal milestones to notably enhance patient access. This involves expanding pharmacy services and introducing digital enablement to bolster modern general practice, incorporating the utilisation of the NHS App and digital telephony.

NHSE outlined 14 commitments spanning four areas: empowering patients, implementing 'Modern General Practices Access', building capacity, and reducing bureaucracy. “Over the six months since publication, significant progress has been attained in all key aspects of the plan, despite encountering challenges” it added.

Community Pharmacy England is hosting webinars to help pharmacy owners and teams prepare for the new Pharmacy First service and updates to the Contraception and Hypertension Case-Finding Services.

More For You

Majority of Brits neglect consistent skincare routine,  survey finds

On average, Brits go to bed without washing their face twice a week.

Photo credit: gettyimages

Skincare: One in five Brits go to bed without washing their face daily, survey finds

Nearly two-thirds of Brits (60 per cent) neglect a consistent skincare routine,with almost one in five going to bed without washing their face daily, according to a new survey by consumer health company Kenvue.

The UK-wide survey of 2,000 people revealed that one-third of respondents (34 per cent) spend five minutes or less on their daily skincare routine. On average, Brits go to bed without washing their face twice a week.

Keep ReadingShow less
Risk of pharmacy closures remains despite record funding uplift

Community pharmacy sector remains in a fragile position as the funding gap is still significant, says CCA.

gettyimages

Pharmacy closures still a risk as funding deal fails to cover costs – warns CCA

The community pharmacy sector has secured the largest funding uplift across the NHS, yet concerns remain that it may not be enough to prevent further closures and service reductions.

Following a six-week consultation with Community Pharmacy England (CPE), the government has approved a £3.073 billion funding package for 2025/26, supplemented by an additional £215 million to support Pharmacy First and other Primary Care Recovery Plan services.

Keep ReadingShow less
Independent Prescribing: Government aims to complete pathfinder programme evaluation by autumn 2025

Pharmacist prescribers at 210 ‘pathfinder’ sites were allowed to trial prescribing models within integrated primary care services.

Photo credit: gettyimages

Independent prescribing: Pathfinder programme evaluation to be completed by autumn, says Kinnock

Health minister Stephen Kinnock has revealed that the evaluation of the Community Pharmacy Independent Prescribing Pathfinder Programme could be completed by Autumn 2025.

Kinnock was responding to a question from James Naish, Labour MP for Rushcliffe, who asked what steps the minister was taking to ensure continued support for the Pathfinder Programme and independent prescribing to maximise direct prescribing capacity in England.

Keep ReadingShow less
Royal College status: The PDA calls for ‘meaningful and collaborative dialogue’

The profession’s success will depend on collaboration across all sectors, says PDA.

gettyimages

Royal College vote: Less than 7% of GB pharmacists in favour, says PDA

The Pharmacists’ Defence Association (PDA) has criticised the Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS) for moving too quickly to a ballot on its proposed transition to a Royal College, arguing that it resulted in low participation from pharmacists in Great Britain.

Announcing the results of the special resolution vote, the RPS said that the outcome was a “clear mandate” in favour of the transformative change.

Keep ReadingShow less
RPS Wales calls for urgent investment in pharmacy workforce at Senedd meeting

Third from the left: Eluned Morgan, First Minister of Wales

Photo credit: RPS

Invest in pharmacy workforce: RPS Wales urges Senedd members

Members of the Senedd (MSs) were briefed on the increasing pressures facing pharmacy teams and the urgent need for action to support their health and wellbeing at an event hosted by the Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS) Wales.

The event, held on Wednesday, brought together MSs, including first minister Eluned Morgan, to discuss the findings of RPS’ latest Workforce Wellbeing Survey.

Keep ReadingShow less