Pharmacy Regulations 2025: What You Need to Know

The UK government is making significant updates to the National Health Service (NHS) regulations governing pharmaceutical services. These changes, found in the National Health Service (Pharmaceutical and Local Pharmaceutical Services) (Miscellaneous Amendments) Regulations 2025, are set to come into effect on October 1, 2025. Here's a breakdown of the major changes and what they mean for community pharmacies and NHS patients.

1. Hub and Spoke Dispensing Expansion

• The new regulations build on previous amendments to allow more flexibility in "hub and spoke" arrangements. This model allows community pharmacies or GP practices (the "spokes") to send prescription details to a central "hub" pharmacy, which processes the order. The hub then sends the medication back to the spoke for patient delivery.
• Previously limited, these arrangements can now handle a broader range of prescription items, including non-medicinal products like foods and cosmetics.
• Pharmacies and doctors must notify NHS commissioners in advance and prepare continuity plans to ensure services remain uninterrupted.

2. HPV Vaccine Reimbursement Changes

• Community pharmacies will now be able to access centrally procured human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines for NHS patients at little to no cost. The new rules allow the Secretary of State or NHS England to set reimbursement for these vaccines to zero or a nominal amount, focusing payment on the service provided rather than the product cost.

3. Simplification of Pharmacy Services

• Community pharmacies will no longer be required to produce a practice leaflet or maintain staff references, as these practices are deemed outdated. Information is now typically available online or via posters at pharmacy locations.
• Updates to terminology ensure regulations align with current operational practices, such as replacing "at" with "at or from" regarding where services can be provided, reflecting the flexibility of service delivery locations.

4. Updates to Pharmaceutical Needs Assessments (PNAs)

• Health and Wellbeing Boards (HWBs) are given clear guidelines on updating PNAs, which outline local pharmaceutical service needs. Supplementary statements are restricted from introducing new assessments, which require full consultation and a new PNA.

5. Legislative Reach and Implementation

• While the regulations apply across England and Wales, their practical effect is limited to England.
• These reforms result from extensive consultations with industry stakeholders, including Community Pharmacy England and the British Medical Association, ensuring that the changes support both healthcare providers and patients.

These adjustments aim to streamline pharmaceutical services, improve access to essential vaccines, and reduce unnecessary administrative burdens on pharmacies, ultimately enhancing patient care and pharmacy efficiency.