Commissioning bodies

Pharmacy First 'enormously successful', says CCA

The CCA’s Nick Thayer says Pharmacy First has been “enormously successful” in its first year and he expects 2.5 million consultations by the end of March 2025.

Mandatory multi-sector training shelved over ‘current pressures’

NHS England (NHSE) has decided that mandatory rotations for pharmacy trainees “will be delayed” until the 2027/28 cohort.

NHSE launches 24/7 support for ‘overwhelmed’ pharmacists

NHS England (NHSE) has launched a “confidential 24/7 text support service” for pharmacists who are feeling “worried or overwhelmed” and need someone to speak to.

CPE targets nurseries and schools with Pharmacy First checklist

Community Pharmacy England (CPE) has launched a new checklist, along with other resources, to promote Pharmacy First services in nurseries and schools.

Pharmacy2U takeover of LloydsDirect approved after safety concerns

The NHS has accepted Pharmacy2U’s application to take over the ownership of LloydsDirect, after previously refusing it earlier this year.

Pharmacy ‘files case in High Court’ over Pharmacy First suspension

A Wembley pharmacy is “actively preparing” a legal case after being suspended from the Pharmacy First service, C+D has learned.

NHSE relaunches Pharmacy First marketing campaign with ‘minor revisions’

NHS England (NHSE) has relaunched its national Pharmacy First marketing campaign today, which includes “minor revisions” to the original material published earlier this year.

Devon pharmacy pilot launched to reduce opioid drug-related deaths

Pharmacies in Devon are taking part in a new pilot service that aims to reduce the number of drug-related deaths in the county and trains staff to recognise and respond to the “symptoms of opioid overdose”.

HSCC to do ‘all it can’ to stop NHS consultation being ‘great big piece of nonsense’

A new health and social care committee (HSCC) member has stressed that the committee will ensure the government’s months-long NHS consultation makes “some proper changes” amid concerns that it will just result in “more and more paperwork”.

NHSE: ‘We need to respect’ GPs refusing to let pharmacies update records

NHS England (NHSE) officials have said they will “respect” GP practices that have switched off Pharmacy First “update record” IT functionality, despite Community Pharmacy England (CPE) calling for commissioners to “push, push, push” surgeries to “play ball”.