From the launch of Pharmacy First in England to breaking the ice with a new government, we ask pharmacists and sector bodies what moment from 2024 will have the most lasting impact on community pharmacy, and how they see the role of pharmacy changing in 2025. By Saša Janković

Harry McQuillan Chairman of Numark 

“2024 has been a big year with the launch of Pharmacy First in England and the announcement of regulatory change around hub and spoke dispensing.

 “The advent of a new Labour government has also pledged a transformative future for the NHS but Starmer and Streeting’s vision for the NHS must include empowering pharmacies to fully utilise their clinical expertise and remunerating appropriately.

"The autumn Budget promised a £22 billion increase in NHS funding. The details of where this will be spent still aren’t clear, but community pharmacy must not be forgotten.”

Nathan Wiltshire CEO of Cambrian Alliance Group

“Pharmacy First has had multiple important impacts, particularly in terms of improving access, reducing pressure on GPs and enhancing the role of community pharmacies in managing minor ailments.

"However, without proper financial support its full potential will be compromised.

“In 2025 community pharmacies are likely to evolve into multi-faceted healthcare centres, blending dispensing with a more active role in disease prevention, chronic disease management and patient education.

"Digital tools, collaborative care models and new service offerings will likely make them an essential part of the healthcare ecosystem. 

"Of particular importance will be clinical services for chronic disease management, and we expect to see pharmacies increasingly involved in mental health services.”

Reshma Malde Pharmacist at John Bell & Croyden

“Pharmacy First represents a meaningful shift and there is hope for the inclusion of more conditions. Another positive step has been enhancing the skills of registered pharmacy technicians.

"However, pharmacies require substantial funding to invest in the professional development of support teams so pharmacists can more effectively delegate responsibilities.

“Pharmacies have also contended with persistent medication shortages, the closure of many pharmacies due to escalating operational costs, and a reimbursement model that has often fallen short.”

Daniel Lee Founder and CEO of HubRx, and CEO of Pharmacy+Health

“The high of Pharmacy First launching in England exacerbated the problem of how pharmacies, specifically independents, can deliver clinical services in any meaningful and profitable way while juggling record high prescription demand. 

“This year the number of pharmacies closing for good has also increased, which is why I’m so disappointed that the promised changes to hub and spoke dispensing legislation for independents has been delayed.

"If the legislation isn’t introduced soon I fear the cumulative impact of out-of-date core dispensing funding.” 

Phil Galt Community pharmacist and managing director of Cegedim Rx

“For me there have been quite a few defining moments in 2024, especially with further digitally embedding community pharmacy into the NHS fold.

"We’ve seen the launch of BaRS, GP Connect Update Record and soon GP Connect Access Record will follow, and most recently the ability for patients to track prescription status within the NHS app. 

“However, there’s a real juxtaposition between how the NHS views pharmacy, supporting this digital transformation, and how pharmacy is viewed by the government.

"The feeling that community pharmacy remains the blind spot of the government is a real problem – and one thing I never thought I’d see in my 20 years within community pharmacy was the conversation of pharmacies taking industrial action.” 

Malcolm Harrison Chief executive of the CCA

“The launch of Pharmacy First was a seminal moment and the service is ripe for expansion. 

"However, without increased funding for dispensing and the drug tariff we risk slipping into a rolling cycle of pharmacy closures, shortages and concessions, which serves nobody’s interests. 

“In 2025 we hope to see Pharmacy First not just recommissioned but expanded, with conditions such as dermatology and chest infections added. I hope it is also the year a robust roadmap to harness independent prescribing is in place.”

Janet Morrison Chief executive of CPE

“Two stand-out moments this year were the launch of Pharmacy First and the inclusion of pharmacy in all major political party manifestos for the first time. Both were big accomplishments, but arguably Pharmacy First will have the longer-lasting impact as a stepping stone towards a more clinical future for community pharmacy.

“The Vision for Community Pharmacy developed by the Nuffield Trust and The King’s Fund provides a blueprint for how we would like to see community pharmacies operating in the future, and underpins our strategic case for the sector as a vital healthcare asset.

"We cannot let government and the NHS continue to ignore the relentless financial strain on many pharmacy businesses or the worrying trend of pharmacy closures will only continue.”

Professor Claire Anderson RPS president

“The launch of Pharmacy First in England has brought together all three nations and has refreshed public awareness of the services available at local pharmacies.

“Looking ahead to 2025, addressing medicines shortages will remain a top priority, and we expect the role of community pharmacy to continue to evolve, with a focus on improving and expanding existing services.

"In Scotland, for example, we’re advocating for integrated health and social care records to help community pharmacists access and contribute to patient information. 

"Meanwhile in Wales, we’re looking forward to the result of phase two of a pilot scheme exploring protected learning for community pharmacists.”

Sima Jassal Clinical director at EMIS

“The introduction of Pharmacy First in England has seen some really positive figures, with pharmacies believed to have now saved the NHS 38m GP appointments a year.

"Lord Darzi’s report has also been a turning point for community pharmacy, not only recognising the invaluable expansion of its clinical services but also shining a spotlight on the financial pressure it’s under.

 “In 2025 I expect Pharmacy First to continue to expand. I envisage a future where pharmacies collaborate more closely with GPs, with technological advances to help manage workload proving vital to help us with our dual role of clinical services with dispensing.” 

Michelle Riddalls CEO at PAGB

“Pharmacy First was a game changer this year. However, with almost half (46 per cent) of consumers surveyed for our annual self-care census being unaware of the scheme we have a way to go in terms of awareness, education and communication.

“We also need to keep driving awareness of the valuable role that community pharmacy plays, as well as the digital information tools we have now.

"More self-care and more medicines available without prescription will also generate significant NHS savings, and this means the need for more reclassifications to drive and reach the full potential for self-care – something we know the public supports.”

Reena Barai Independent community pharmacist at SG Barai Pharmacy

“For me the highlight of 2024 was pressing ‘approve and issue’ on my first prescription issued from my pharmacy as part of the Community Pharmacy Independent Prescribing (IP) Pathfinder Programme.

“For 2025 I’d like to see an expansion of the pilot across the country to showcase the breadth of clinical areas that community pharmacists could manage using their IP skills from their pharmacy premises.

"With newly qualified pharmacists soon to be prescribers, we’ve got to get IP embedded in community pharmacy to ensure we hold on to our workforce.” 

Mark Burdon Pharmacist at Burdon Pharmacy Group

“The snap general election was the most important moment in 2024. Up to that point community pharmacy was on the ropes (and continues to be), with no recognition of our costs made by the outgoing administration.

"Whether the promises from the new government turn into reality remains to be seen. 

“I’m not optimistic for 2025 unless funding properly reflects activity. Recent changes to Employer’s National Insurance and the minimum wage will be disastrous unless costs are properly managed.”

Mike Hewitson Superintendent pharmacist and managing director of Beaminster Pharmacy

“I hope the high point from 2024 will be the election of the new government but the sector needs assurances that government and the NHS want a community pharmacy service.

"The NHS consultation will, I am almost certain, trigger a shift in the organisation of the NHS to introduce more democratic accountability and more direct control over the NHS for the politicians who are ultimately accountable. 

“As for 2025, I hope it is the year of independent prescribing. Pharmacist independent prescribers are ready to help with the massive challenges our health system faces, but we need to be unleashed to fulfil that potential.”