Community pharmacy services

Brands help patients choose most appropriate OTC drugs

Nearly two-thirds of respondents to a survey by consumer healthcare association PAGB said trust in a brand influenced their decision to buy over-the-counter medicines.…

Almost 90% of pharmacies report abuse from ineligible COVID-19 vaccination patients, survey reveals

The National Pharmacy Association survey of 450 pharmacies in England found that “at least half” of the average pharmacy's COVID-19 vaccination appointments were made by ineligible people.…

Reimburse business rates for pharmacies like GPs and dentists, says NPA

The National Pharmacy Association has told the government community pharmacies should be exempt from business rates to combat rising pharmacy closures and address funding gaps.…

Digital dispensing device pilot helps participants remain in their own homes

Under the Welsh government-funded scheme, two automated medicine dispensing devices remind patients to take their medication and offer the correct dose at the right time.…

Jhoots Pharmacy enters administration

Administrators have filed two sets of proposals with Companies House for firms that operated Jhoots branches.…

Community pharmacy cholesterol testing pilot expands across east London

Under the scheme, pharmacies use a seven-minute test to assess patients’ cholesterol levels and offer an estimate of their risk of heart problems over the next ten years.…

Pharmacy2U recorded 64% increase in prescriptions dispensed over one year, filings show

Online pharmacy Pharmacy2U saw its revenue increase by 68% to £334m during 2024/2025, but it made a £5.7m pre-tax loss during the financial year.…

Working conditions for community pharmacists must improve for neighbourhood health service to succeed, MPs say

In a letter to the government, the Health and Social Care Committee said the NHS ten-year workforce plan must offer proposals to make the community sector “a more attractive place for staff to work and build a career”.…

ICBs should fund protected time for community prescribers, urges report

Pharmacists who participated in an evaluation of community pharmacist prescribing reported increased job satisfaction when independent prescribing services were implemented in their workplace.…

Health news round-up: new NICE guidance, ‘online hospital’ and the environmental burden of medicines

A weekly summary of important developments in health news that you may have missed.…