Introducing independent prescribing to community pharmacies in England
Community pharmacies could play a transformative role in improving access to NHS care through the introduction of independent prescribing services. Our report highlights how commissioning and funding pharmacist independent prescribing across community pharmacy could significantly expand patient access to timely treatment, while helping to reduce pressure on GPs and urgent care services.
From 2026, all newly qualified pharmacists will register as independent prescribers, creating a landmark opportunity to make use of pharmacists’ clinical expertise. Expanding prescribing services in community pharmacy could increase Pharmacy First consultations from around nine million to as many as 40 million annually, helping patients access care closer to home, improving health outcomes, and supporting the Government’s ambition to shift more care into the community.