What's Happening?
The 'Choose Pharmacy' independent prescribing service in Wales has seen a significant increase in consultations, tripling over the past two years. Health Education and Improvement Wales reported that 75,723 consultations were conducted between January
and May 2025, compared to 23,807 during the same period in 2023. The service allows pharmacists to prescribe for various conditions, including infections and emergency contraception. The majority of patients were treated effectively by pharmacists, reducing the need for GP appointments. The service's expansion reflects the growing role of pharmacists in improving patient access to care and supporting NHS capacity.
Why It's Important?
The rapid growth of the 'Choose Pharmacy' service highlights the evolving role of pharmacists in healthcare delivery. By enabling pharmacists to prescribe independently, the service improves patient access to care and alleviates pressure on GPs and the NHS. This development supports the integration of pharmacists into primary care, enhancing their contribution to healthcare systems. The success of the service underscores the need for continued investment in pharmacist training and resources, ensuring they can provide safe and effective care.
What's Next?
To build on the success of the 'Choose Pharmacy' service, it is essential to support pharmacists with protected learning time, resources, and access to designated prescribing practitioners. This will enable them to continue providing high-quality care and further embed prescribing into everyday pharmacy practice. The expansion of the service could lead to broader adoption across the UK, enhancing healthcare delivery and patient outcomes. Continued monitoring and evaluation will be crucial to ensure the service's effectiveness and sustainability.
