What's Happening?
Community pharmacies in England have missed out on over £71 million in Pharmacy First threshold payments. This shortfall is attributed to pharmacies not meeting the required number of clinical pathway consultations or not signing up for the service. The threshold for consultations has incrementally increased since the service's launch in January 2024, leading to a growing number of pharmacies failing to qualify for payments. In May 2025, 6,551 pharmacies did not meet the threshold, representing 62% of the community pharmacy network. The situation highlights challenges in meeting service requirements and the need for adjustments to the payment structure.
Why It's Important?
The missed payments underscore significant challenges within the Pharmacy First initiative, which aims to shift care from hospitals to community settings. The financial impact on pharmacies could affect their ability to provide services, potentially limiting access to healthcare for patients. The situation calls for a reassessment of the payment thresholds and support mechanisms to ensure pharmacies can meet service demands. Addressing these issues is crucial for the sustainability of the Pharmacy First program and for maintaining the viability of community pharmacies as essential healthcare providers.
What's Next?
In response to the challenges, an interim payment of £500 for pharmacies delivering 20-29 clinical pathways will be introduced from June 2025. The DHSC and NHS England are being urged to enhance advertising and public awareness to increase service uptake. Adjustments to the clinical pathway thresholds are also planned to make them more achievable. These measures aim to support pharmacies in meeting service requirements and to ensure the continued success of the Pharmacy First initiative.
