Sophie Willis

Investigations editor

Pharmacies achieve more than double target number of blood pressure checks, NHS England data reveal

Data published by NHS England show that in 2024/2025, community pharmacies delivered 199,182 blood pressure checks and 40,467 oral contraception consultations against a target of 71,000 and 25,800, respectively.…

Delivering advanced services under the new pharmacy contract

Data obtained by The Pharmaceutical Journal show that one in ten pharmacies have withdrawn from an advanced service since 2021, but will the new funding make it easier for them to deliver these services?…

Almost 80% of pharmacies ‘unsustainable’, finds NHS-commissioned economic review

Results of the economic analysis by Frontier Economics and IQVIA were considered in negotiations over the community pharmacy contract, details of which were announced on 31 March 2025.…

Genomics surveillance programme for hepatitis C launched by UK Health Security Agency

In order to monitor hepatitis C virus strains that are resistant to antiviral medicines, the UK Health Security Agency has set up a genomic surveillance programme to seek genetic markers for drug resistance.…

NPA advises thousands of pharmacies to limit services from April 2025

As the government has yet to provide confirmation of funding for either the 2024/2025 or 2025/2026 financial years, the National Pharmacy Association recommends that its members consider limiting their service provision.…

Boots parent company sold to private equity firm in US$24bn deal

The acquisition follows Walgreens Boots Alliance originally planning to sell Boots in January 2022 but halting the sale owing to a lack of suitable offers.…

NHS England to commission whooping cough vaccination service through community pharmacies

The respiratory syncytial virus and pertussis vaccination service is aimed to help supplement vaccination programmes delivered by GPs and NHS trusts.…

HRT alternative could cause serious liver injury, manufacturer warns

Astellas Pharma has warned that exposure to fezolinetant should be avoided in women at higher risk for liver disease and that early identification of potential liver injury was “essential”.…

NHS launches ‘game-changing’ guide to tackle problematic polypharmacy

‘The mechanics of tackling overprescribing and problematic polypharmacy’ is aimed to provide “practical, evidence-based strategies” to cut overprescribing.…

NICE recommends once-weekly injection for severe blood clotting disorder

Efanesoctocog alfa, a once-weekly treatment for patients with severe haemophilia A, removes the need for frequent dosing, owing to its effective bleeding control.…