Empowering the pharmacy workforce: A vital step towards a more efficient NHS

By Harry McQuillan, Chairman of Numark

The role of community pharmacy has never been more critical. As the NHS faces increasing pressure from workforce shortages, an ageing population, and rising patient demand; it is imperative that we unlock the full potential of our pharmacy teams.

One of the most immediate and impactful changes we can make is to enable pharmacy technicians to administer NHS vaccinations independently – without the need for a vaccine-trained pharmacist to be physically present.

Pharmacy technicians are highly trained professionals, already entrusted with responsibilities which ensure the safe and effective running of dispensary operations. In recent years, their roles have expanded significantly, and with the appropriate training and governance, there is no reason why they should not also be entrusted to administer vaccines. Many are already doing so privately, and the transition to NHS-funded services is a logical next step.

The recent announcement from pharmacy minister, Stephen Kinnock MP, that the government’s response to the supervision consultation will be published later this year, signals meaningful progress in empowering the pharmacy workforce - unlocking the full potential of pharmacy technicians.

Under the proposed changes, pharmacy technicians will be able to prepare, assemble, dispense, sell, and supply both P meds and POMs. Investing in training to move the administration of vaccinations in the hands of these highly capable professionals is the common-sense next step – and I look forward to the Government prioritising upskilling in this area.

Current regulations require a vaccine-trained pharmacist to be on-site for technicians to deliver NHS vaccinations. This restriction places unnecessary pressure on pharmacists and limits the agility of the wider team. It anchors the pharmacist to routine service delivery, rather than allowing them to engage in clinical care.

This is not about replacing pharmacists. It’s about maximising the value of their expertise. By enabling pharmacy technicians to take on a broader scope of practice, we free up pharmacist capacity to focus on the advanced clinical services that patients desperately need –services that align with the NHS Long Term Plan’s vision of placing care closer to home.

The regulatory and commissioning frameworks must evolve to reflect the capabilities of the entire pharmacy team. If we want to expand access, improve efficiency, and reduce bottlenecks in patient care, we must stop underutilising the skills sitting right in front of us.

Harry McQuillan, Chairman of Numark

Numark’s 12 Principles for the future model of pharmacy practice states that community pharmacy teams will deliver an increasing volume of services with pharmacy technicians taking a lead role in the supply and administration of vaccinations being central to that. This in turn will allow community pharmacy to undertake a more comprehensive role in preventative, urgent and acute care.

Enabling pharmacy technicians to independently administer NHS vaccinations is a straightforward policy change with enormous upside. It will improve service resilience, reduce reliance on locums, support workforce retention, and – most importantly –deliver better care for patients.

We have teams who are passionate, willing and skilled to deliver for communities. Policy goes some way to create the change we need, but this needs to be backed by education, support and investment. The focus of driving clinical care closer to home is a step in the right direction and if we focus on the professional development of pharmacy technicians, has the potential to free up pharmacist time to concentrate on clinical services, independent prescribing, and direct patient care.