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More pharmacies in England to prescribe medication from autumn
The deal adds five more ailments and expands independent prescribing as more than 3.3 million consultations were logged in the past year.
- The Government announced a £340 million deal on Thursday to expand the Pharmacy First scheme in England, adding five common ailments this autumn to allow pharmacists to prescribe medications on the spot and ease pressure on GPs.
- Launched in 2024, the Pharmacy First scheme currently allows pharmacists to treat seven common conditions. The Department reported more than 3.3 million consultations over the previous 12 months, a 43% increase demonstrating rapid uptake.
- Janet Morrison, chief executive of Community Pharmacy England, welcomed the 2026/27 agreement, noting the expansion "opens the door to pharmacist prescribing" and utilizing clinical expertise to improve patient access to care.
- The National Pharmacy Association and Independent Pharmacies Association warned the deal fails to close a £2.5 billion funding gap. Leyla Hannbeck, chief executive of the IPA, stated the "funding on offer doesn't cover the workload to do this."
- Health Minister Stephen Kinnock said the government is "making the most of our highly skilled pharmacists" to ease pressure on GPs and cut red tape. Pharmacies remain concerned that insufficient funding levels could risk the expansion's success.
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UK pharmacies could gain expanded prescribing powers in just months under new plans
Labour has announced a £340million investment to broaden the Pharmacy First scheme in England, enabling pharmacists to prescribe treatments for five additional common conditions from this autumn.
·London, United Kingdom
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The Droitwich StandardReposted by 
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rugbyobserver.co.ukEngland Pharmacies to Prescribe More Medicines Under Expanded Pharmacy First Plan – NATIONAL NEWS
Pharmacies in England will be able to prescribe medicines for more conditions under plans aimed at easing pressure on GP surgeries and hospitals and speeding up access to treatment. The expansion forms part of the government’s Pharmacy First programme, which already allows pharmacists to provide prescription medicines for seven common conditions, including sore throats, ear infections, sinusitis, shingles, impetigo, infected insect bites and unc…
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Leaning Left1Leaning Right1Center2Last UpdatedBias Distribution50% Center
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L 25%
C 50%
R 25%
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