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Pharmacists to prescribe some NHS medicines from autumn — saving you a GP trip

Pharmacists to prescribe some NHS medicines from autumn — saving you a GP trip

From Autumn 2026, some pharmacists will be able to assess and prescribe NHS medicines without a GP visit.

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Ruairidh Pritchard

Published: May 29, 2026 at 10:19 AM

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From sorting out a child’s earache to picking up treatment for a UTI before work, many mums already rely on their local pharmacy for quick, practical help.

Now, under a new £340 million government-funded deal, families in England could soon access even more care on their high street, with qualified pharmacists able to assess patients and prescribe NHS medicines directly, without the need for a GP referral.

The changes, set to roll out nationally from Autumn 2026, aim to make it faster and easier to get treatment for common conditions, while easing pressure on GP surgeries and hospitals.

What is changing for families?

Under the new contractual framework agreed with Community Pharmacy England, pharmacists who hold an Independent Prescribing qualification will be able to assess patients and prescribe medicines directly as part of a nationally commissioned NHS service.

This builds on the existing Pharmacy First scheme, which already offers on-the-spot advice, over-the-counter treatments and some prescription-only medicines for seven common conditions.

From Autumn 2026, independent prescribing will expand what pharmacists can treat, reducing the need for referrals back to GPs and helping patients get care more quickly.

Minister of State for Care Stephen Kinnock said the move forms part of a wider shift in NHS care.

“Through our landmark 10 Year Health Plan, we are making the most of our highly skilled pharmacists, while boosting access to services and giving patients more care right on their doorstep.

Independent Prescribing will play a major part in delivering this shift – easing pressures on GPs, cutting unnecessary red tape and helping patients get the right care closer to home.

Minister of State for Care Stephen Kinnock

How Pharmacy First is already helping

Pharmacy First allows patients to access treatment for a range of minor health conditions affecting the ears, nose, throat, eyes and skin, among others.

Conditions currently covered include:

Sinusitis
Sore throat
Earache
Infected bites
Impetigo
Shingles
Urinary tract infections
Digestive problems
Eye, ear, oral and dental care

Between March 2025 and February 2026, more than 3.3 million Pharmacy First consultations were delivered, a 43% increase on the previous year. Almost nine in ten people, 86%, reported a positive experience.

For busy parents juggling work, childcare and school runs, being able to walk into a pharmacy for treatment, rather than waiting days for a GP appointment, can make a real difference.

Why independent prescribing matters

Dr Amanda Doyle, National Director for Primary Care and Community Services at NHS England, said the expansion would make better use of pharmacists’ clinical expertise.

“Community pharmacies already play a vital role in delivering NHS care closer to home, and this agreement will make it easier for patients to get advice, treatment, and medicines through their local pharmacy.

“Expanding independent prescribing will help make better use of the clinical expertise within our community pharmacy teams, helping patients get the right care in the right place while helping reducing pressure on other NHS services.”

Community pharmacies already play a vital role in delivering NHS care closer to home, and this agreement will make it easier for patients to get advice, treatment, and medicines through their local pharmacy.

Dr Amanda Doyle, NHS England

Chief Pharmaceutical Officer for England David Webb described the move as a significant step forward.

“This is great news for patients that community pharmacists will for the first time be able to prescribe NHS medicines across a range of health conditions as a nationally commissioned service.

“Community pharmacies will be enabled to play a more integrated role in neighbourhood health teams, digitally connected and helping people access the medicines they need when they need them.”

What it means for women’s and mental health

The announcement follows a series of recent measures designed to expand pharmacy services.

These include making the morning-after pill available free of charge at pharmacies on the NHS for the first time, offering additional support for patients prescribed antidepressants, and boosting incentives to identify undiagnosed high blood pressure.

For mums managing their own health alongside their children’s, accessing support locally and without long waits could mean quicker reassurance and earlier treatment.

The funding behind the changes

The £340 million funding package has been agreed with Community Pharmacy England for 2026 to 2027.

Janet Morrison OBE, Chief Executive of Community Pharmacy England, said:

“We hope these changes, accompanied by appropriate future investment, will help pharmacies to play an even greater role in supporting patients, improving access to care, and helping people get the advice and treatment they need in their communities.”

Malcolm Harrison, Chief Executive of the Company Chemists’ Association, added:

“Independent prescribing is a generational opportunity to expand the care that pharmacies can provide to patients. This announcement is the first step in realising this opportunity.”

Independent Prescribing will be rolled out nationally from Autumn 2026, with the aim of shifting more NHS care into the community and closer to home, something many families are likely to welcome as they navigate everyday health concerns and GP appointment waiting times.

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Authors

Ruairidh PritchardDigital Growth Lead

Ruairidh is the Digital Lead on MadeForMums. He works with a team of fantastically talented content creators and subject-matter experts on MadeForMums.