As of autumn 2026, the move aims to reduce the number of referrals back to GPs, boost efficiency and improve patient experience and outcomes, as well as ease pressure on hospitals.

Minister of state for care, Stephen Kinnock, said: ‘Through our landmark 10-Year Health Plan, we are making the most of our highly skilled pharmacists, while boosting access to services and giving patients more care right on their doorstep.

‘Independent prescribing will play a major part in delivering this shift - easing pressures on GPs, cutting unnecessary red tape and helping patients get the right care closer to home.'

Over 3.3m Pharmacy First consultations were delivered between March 2025 and February 2026, an increase of 43% on the previous 12 months. Almost 9 in 10 (86%) people using the service reported a positive experience for support of one of the seven common conditions covered by the service.

Ruth Rankine, director of primary, community and neighbourhood health at The NHS Alliance, said: ‘This deal is a welcome boost for patients - particularly for people in underserved communities and rural areas.

‘The roll out of independent prescribing is a crucial step in unlocking the full expertise and community reach of pharmacies, helping to support a successful neighbourhood model of care.

‘However, to ensure this is successful, we must learn from the challenges associated with Pharmacy First. There must be protected time for local clinicians and commissioners to implement this practice safely and effectively, alongside targeted communications to help patients access these services.

‘Further work is also needed so that information is shared seamlessly between pharmacy clinical systems, GP IT systems and the NHS App, for a safe and effective patient experience.'