Health & NHS news

Services

Over 5 million patients have used Pharmacy First since launch

Sore throat and UTI consultations perform strongly as NHS announces milestone.

29 May 2025 , 1 Min Article

Patients to track repeat prescriptions ‘Amazon-style’ with NHS app update

New app function to be available from 6,500 pharmacies this time next year

23 May 2025 , 1 Min Article

Public health

Poll shows pharmacies the most accessible healthcare location

CPE and the Taskforce for Lung Health back a greater role for pharmacies in supporting lung health, saying this could help prevent another winter health crisis.

20 May 2025 , 2 Min Article

CCA

There will be shortfall of 16,000 FTE pharmacists by 2036-37, CCA warns Labour

The Company Chemists’ Association urged the Government to stop the recruitment of pharmacists into other parts of primary care.

19 May 2025 , 2 Min Article

Public health

Chief pharmaceutical officer plays down prospect of pharmacies providing weight loss jabs

David Webb said there is an appetite within Government to explore “different” ways of delivering them outside of general practice.

19 May 2025 , 1 Min Article

Vaccinations

UKHSA announces changes to the childhood vaccination schedule

UKHSA confirms changes to the routine childhood vaccination schedule which includes introduction of a new 18-month routine vaccination appointment.

06 May 2025 , 1 Min Article

Contract

Welsh Government announces STTT and UTI services available from pharmacies

The Welsh Government publicly announces that pharmacies in Wales are to provide two new national services to treat sore throats and UTIs.

06 May 2025 , 2 Min Article

Policy

There will be no prescription charge hike this year, Labour confirms

Labour claims fee freeze will save patients £18m over the financial year

28 Apr 2025 , 1 Min Article

Medicines

UKHSA launches campaign in pharmacies to break misconceptions about antibiotics

The Health Security Agency's initiative will feature a “comedic mascot character” called Andi Biotic who will answer people’s questions about antibiotics.

07 Apr 2025 , 1 Min Article

Employment

NHSE gives PCNs more ARRS money to recruit pharmacists in 2025-26

PCNs will have £66,972 to recruit a “clinical pharmacist” compared with £65,838 in 2024-25.

02 Apr 2025 , 1 Min Article

Policy

Awareness of perinatal mental support is lacking, warns inquest into mother’s death

The assistant coroner for North Wales said no healthcare professional referred Leanne Marie Carroll to the service despite her worsening obsessive compulsive disorder.

27 Mar 2025 , 1 Min Article