NHS England to allow pharmacies to prescribe most common medications

SSIF • June 6, 2023

NHS England to allow pharmacies to prescribe most common medications

NHS England has unveiled plans to make it easier for families to get medications from pharmacies without seeing a GP.

Under the plans, pharmacists will be able to prescribe medications, including antibiotics, for seven common ailments. These are:

  • Earache.
  • Sore throats.
  • Urinary tract infections.
  • Infected insect bites.
  • Sinusitis.
  • Impetigo.
  • Shingles.


More people will be able to self-refer for physiotherapy, podiatry and hearing tests and women will be able to get oral contraceptives without seeing a nurse or GP.


The proposals form part of NHS England’s Delivery plan for recovering access to primary care, which includes £240m funding for GPs to make technological improvements.

Some changes could be in place as early as September 2023, subject to negotiations with GP and pharmacy bodies.


Information from NHS England

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