The South West pilot has demonstrated it “an effective way to create Designated Prescribing Practitioner capacity and grow the number of pharmacist independent prescribers”
Many community pharmacists are keen to pursue independent prescribing training, but the lack of access to placements, supervisors, and adequate financial support remains a challenge.
In a significant development, the government has announced the nationwide expansion of the 'Teach and Treat' clinics pilot to assist pharmacists in becoming independent prescribers (IPs).
Initially piloted in the South West, this initiative allowed many community pharmacists to gain practice-based learning, with supervision from an experienced prescriber called a Designated Prescribing Practitioner (DPP).
This expansion was confirmed in the government’s response to the House of Commons Health and Social Care Committee (HSCC) pharmacy inquiry, published on 10 January 2025.
The initiative is described as “an effective way to create designated DPP capacity and grow the number of pharmacist independent prescribers.”
The expansion of the Teach and Treat clinics will be facilitated through the Pharmacy Integration Fund in 2024-25.
While the government partially accepted the Committee’s recommendation to improve the availability and quality of necessary placements, it assured that NHS England is allocating national funding to increase the number of training places for both independent prescribers and DPPs.
“This will ensure the NHS is ready to support and mentor the trainee pharmacists from 25/26 alongside currently registered pharmacists learning to be independent prescribers (IP),” it said.
Additionally, the government’s response mentioned that the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) is working with NHS England to develop a single, consistent policy for funding excess travel and accommodation costs incurred by MPharm students on placements.
In a letter accompanying the response, pharmacy minister Stephen Kinnock reaffirmed the government’s commitment to “expanding the role of pharmacies and to better utilising the skills of pharmacists and pharmacy technicians.”
He stated that a refreshed Long Term Workforce Plan will be published this summer to transform health service over the next decade, ensuring timely patient care.
However, Kinnock acknowledged that there is still much more to be done, as highlighted in the Committee’s report.
NHS England is currently piloting community pharmacy prescribing across all Integrated Care Boards (ICBs), supporting a range of conditions. These pathfinders will guide future decisions regarding the service.
