What is the story about?
What's Happening?
An analysis by The Pharmaceutical Journal has revealed that nearly half of community pharmacy contractors are not delivering ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) consultations each month. This follows Community Pharmacy England's (CPE) announcement on September 30, 2025, delaying the requirement for pharmacies to conduct at least one ABPM consultation per month to receive a Pharmacy First fixed monthly payment starting October 1, 2025. Data from NHS dispensing contractors from January to June 2025 shows that the percentage of contractors not delivering any ABPM consultations ranged from 59% in January to 49% in June. The current requirements, part of the 2025/2026 pharmacy contract, mandate pharmacy owners to deliver various services, including hypertension case-finding and pharmacy contraception services, alongside at least 30 clinical pathway consultations to qualify for the fixed payment. CPE cited difficulties in getting patients to agree to ABPM following high clinic blood pressure readings as a reason for the delay.
Why It's Important?
The delay in implementing ABPM requirements is significant for community pharmacies, as it impacts their ability to receive crucial financial support through the Pharmacy First monthly payment. The analysis indicates that pharmacies are missing out on substantial payments, with community pharmacies in England losing over £71 million in threshold payments as of May 2025. This financial strain could affect the sustainability of pharmacies, which are vital for providing accessible healthcare services. The decision to delay the ABPM requirement reflects ongoing challenges in patient compliance and the need for alternative methods, such as home blood pressure monitoring, which NHS England is currently reviewing. Ensuring pharmacies can meet these requirements is essential for maintaining their operational viability and continuing to offer essential health services.
What's Next?
NHS England is considering the inclusion of home blood pressure monitoring as an alternative to ABPM, which could help pharmacies meet patient needs and qualify for threshold payments. Further discussions between CPE, the Department of Health and Social Care, and NHS England are expected to determine the best path forward. The potential inclusion of home monitoring could alleviate some of the pressure on pharmacies and improve patient compliance, ensuring more pharmacies can deliver the required services and receive necessary financial support.
Beyond the Headlines
The struggle to implement ABPM consultations highlights broader issues within the community pharmacy sector, including patient engagement and the financial pressures faced by pharmacies. The delay in requirements may prompt a reevaluation of how pharmacies deliver services and interact with patients, potentially leading to innovations in service delivery and patient care. Additionally, the financial implications underscore the need for sustainable funding models to support pharmacies in their role as frontline healthcare providers.
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