Community Pharmacies To Deliver More NHS Care

Community pharmacies are set to play an expanded role in NHS care under a new £340 million funding agreement and reforms due to be introduced from autumn 2026.

Under the agreement, pharmacists who hold an independent prescribing qualification will be able to assess patients and prescribe medicines directly through a nationally commissioned NHS service. The changes are due to be introduced from autumn 2026 and build on the existing Pharmacy First programme.

According to the Department of Health and Social Care, the move is intended to improve access to treatment for common conditions, reduce referrals back to GPs, and provide more care closer to home. Community pharmacies will continue to offer services such as blood pressure checks, medicines advice and Pharmacy First consultations, with further support planned for medicines supply and case finding for undiagnosed hypertension.

The announcement follows an agreement between the Government, NHS England and Community Pharmacy England. More than 3.3 million Pharmacy First consultations were delivered between March 2025 and February 2026, according to NHS England.

The Government says the measures form part of its wider plans to expand community-based healthcare services and make greater use of the clinical skills available within community pharmacy teams. Independent prescribing is expected to be rolled out nationally from autumn 2026.