What's Happening?
NHS England is set to begin testing a prototype of a single national formulary (SNF) in June 2026. This initiative was announced by Rebecca Burgoyne, senior medicines policy manager at NHS England, during the Clinical Pharmacy Congress 2026 in London.
The SNF aims to standardize the process of prescribing medicines across England, addressing the current 'postcode lottery' where access to medicines varies by location. The prototype will be tested using a 'test and learn' approach with early adopter sites, and decisions in therapeutic areas will start to be released from July 2026. The SNF is part of the government's 'Fit for the Future' ten-year health plan, which seeks to streamline the bureaucratic processes currently in place.
Why It's Important?
The introduction of a single national formulary is a significant step towards ensuring equitable access to medicines across England. By standardizing formularies, the NHS aims to eliminate regional disparities in drug availability, which can lead to unequal health outcomes. This move is expected to enhance efficiency in the healthcare system by reducing bureaucratic hurdles and focusing on value and outcomes rather than price. For patients, this could mean more consistent access to necessary medications, regardless of their location. The SNF also represents a shift towards digital integration in healthcare, as it will be delivered as a digital product integrated into clinical and prescribing systems.
What's Next?
The SNF prototype will undergo testing starting in June 2026, with final national guidance expected by December 2026. The digital tool for the SNF is scheduled to launch in July 2027, initially covering a select range of therapeutic areas, with plans to expand by 2030. NHS England will monitor the implementation closely, focusing on patient access to medicines and the effectiveness of the new system. The success of the SNF will be measured by its ability to provide timely access to medicines and reduce the current postcode lottery. Stakeholders, including healthcare providers and patients, will be key in providing feedback during the testing phase.
