What's Happening?
Community pharmacies in England have collectively missed out on £71,690,000 in Pharmacy First payments due to failing to meet the required number of clinical pathway consultations. The Pharmacy First service, launched in January 2024, requires pharmacies to provide a certain number of consultations to receive a £1,000 monthly payment. The threshold has incrementally increased from one consultation in February 2024 to 30 consultations by March 2025. Despite these increases, a significant number of pharmacies have consistently failed to meet the thresholds, with 6,551 pharmacies missing the target in May 2025 alone. The NHS Business Services Authority reports that 62% of the community pharmacy network did not receive payments in May 2025. Community Pharmacy England (CPE) has responded by negotiating changes to make the thresholds more achievable, including an interim £500 payment for pharmacies delivering 20-29 consultations starting June 2025.
Why It's Important?
The failure of pharmacies to meet the Pharmacy First thresholds highlights significant challenges within the community pharmacy sector. These missed payments represent a substantial financial loss for pharmacies, potentially impacting their ability to provide services and maintain operations. The Pharmacy First service is intended to shift care from hospitals to community settings, aligning with broader healthcare goals. However, the rigid payment thresholds and lack of GP referrals have hindered its rollout. The situation underscores the need for better collaboration between pharmacies and GPs, as well as increased public awareness and advertising to drive service uptake. The financial implications are critical, as pharmacies are essential for accessible healthcare delivery, especially in underserved areas.
What's Next?
Community Pharmacy England is working to implement changes to the clinical pathway thresholds to make them more achievable. The introduction of an interim payment band is expected to alleviate some financial pressure on pharmacies. Additionally, efforts are underway to increase public awareness and GP referrals to the Pharmacy First service. The Department of Health and Social Care plans to continue investing in the service as part of a ten-year health plan to enhance community care. The success of these initiatives will depend on effective collaboration between pharmacies, GPs, and NHS providers, as well as ongoing adjustments to the service framework.
Beyond the Headlines
The challenges faced by the Pharmacy First service reflect broader issues in the healthcare system, including the need for integrated care models and the role of pharmacies in primary care. The situation raises questions about the sustainability of pharmacy funding and the impact of policy decisions on healthcare accessibility. As pharmacies navigate these challenges, there is potential for innovation in service delivery and patient engagement, which could redefine the role of pharmacies in the healthcare ecosystem.
