Community pharmacy services

Pharmacy closures dropped by more than half in 2021, show NHS data

Analysis by The Pharmaceutical Journal found net closures of 93 community pharmacies in England in 2021, compared with 202 closures the previous year.…

Government to cap distribution of lateral flow tests ahead of ending free provision

The Pharmaceutical Services Negotiating Committee is in discussions with the government over the future of the lateral flow test distribution service.…

Community pharmacy access to shared patient records ‘not prioritised’

Exclusive: The local health and care record programme will offer priority to GPs and trusts for access to shared care records.…

Pharmacies prevented from signing up for minor ailments service over AMR concerns

NHS England has paused sign-ups for the extended care service in the Midlands while it carries out a review of community pharmacy services where antibiotics are supplied without a prescription.…

When will England get a ‘Pharmacy First’ service?

Even though details are yet to be announced, a national minor ailments scheme may be on the cards for England. Here is a summary of what we know so far.…

Health boards given £80m to offer more pharmacy support in general practice

In addition to providing greater pharmacy support, the Scottish government has announced that the funding will be used to provide increased nursing support and access to physiotherapy.…

Community pharmacies fulfil 17 million lateral flow test requests, official data show

NHS Business Services Authority data show that pharmacy contractors claimed for 16,955,732 lateral flow test transactions in Pharmacy Collect's first eight months.…

Nearly 4,000 pharmacies offering blood pressure monitoring service, says NHS England

Since the introduction of the hypertension case-finding service in October 2021, 3,938 pharmacies have signed up to provide blood pressure checks.…

Boots to launch private mental health service soon, says chief pharmacist

Exclusive: Marc Donovan, chief pharmacist for Boots, said the multiple would be launching a mental health service to increase access for patients and ease pressure on the NHS.…

Marc Donovan: ‘I can’t say there won’t be further store closures’

As the COVID-19 pandemic moves out of its acute phase, chief pharmacist Marc Donovan sets out his focus for pharmacy teams at the multiple.…