What community pharmacy does
Community Pharmacists are experts in medicines and their use and provide many services in addition to the safe supply of medicines against prescription or ‘over the counter’ advice and product sale.
Pharmacists are highly trained healthcare professionals, educated to Master’s degree level following a four-year university programme. After completing their degree, they undertake a further year of structured postgraduate training before qualifying for registration.
All practising pharmacists must be registered with the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC), the independent regulator for pharmacy professionals in Great Britain. Registration is reviewed annually to ensure ongoing professional standards are maintained.
Pharmacists work as part of a wider pharmacy team to deliver safe and effective patient care. They are supported by a range of trained staff, including Registered Pharmacy Technicians, Dispensers, Medicines Counter Assistants, Health Champions, and General Assistants.
Registered Pharmacy Technicians are also regulated by the GPhC. They hold recognised qualifications, adhere to professional standards, and are accountable for their practice in the same way as pharmacists.
Other team members may hold, or be working towards, accredited qualifications such as NVQ Level 2 or 3, or certifications from organisations such as the Royal Society for Public Health.
Community pharmacies (formerly known as retail pharmacies or chemists) are regulated premises. Each pharmacy must be registered with the General Pharmaceutical Council and is subject to inspection to ensure it meets required standards for the safe and effective delivery of services.
The GPhC register is available to search on-line (see below).
Community pharmacists and their teams use their clinical expertise to support patients with both acute (short-term) and chronic (long-term) conditions. They are increasingly recognised as an integral part of the primary healthcare team, working alongside GPs, dentists and opticians, and collaborating more closely with secondary care providers such as hospitals.
Most community pharmacies deliver NHS Pharmaceutical Services under a contract agreed with NHS England. These services include dispensing prescription medicines and providing a wide range of clinical services, such as the New Medicines Service (NMS), seasonal influenza vaccinations, and the Pharmacy First (PF), among others.
A good example of how community pharmacy supports patients is during transitions of care, such as when someone is discharged from hospital. Many hospitals can now notify a patient’s chosen community pharmacist when they are discharged, including details of any changes to their medication. This enables the pharmacist to provide tailored advice, ensure the patient understands their medicines, and support safe and effective use at home.
This collaborative approach helps improve patient outcomes, reduces the risk of medication-related issues, and strengthens continuity of care across the healthcare system.
More information on the types of NHS services is available on the NHS web site here:
Community pharmacies are independent businesses, much like most GP practices. They are not owned by the NHS. The cost of medicines supplied against NHS prescriptions is reimbursed to pharmacies under nationally agreed arrangements set by the Department of Health and Social Care. Pharmacies are also paid for delivering professional services in line with the NHS contractual framework.
Across the UK, community pharmacies are made up of a diverse mix of providers. Approximately 33% are operated by large national or international organisations, 18% by medium-sized groups, and 49% are independently owned local pharmacies. Regardless of size or ownership, all pharmacies must meet the same regulatory standards for premises and professional conduct, as set by the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC).
In addition to NHS services commissioned by NHS England, community pharmacies may provide locally commissioned services on behalf of other organisations, including Integrated Care Systems (ICSs) and local authority public health teams. These services may include minor ailments schemes, smoking cessation support, and emergency contraception.
Many pharmacies also offer private services, which are paid for directly by patients. These may include dispensing private prescriptions, travel health services, weight management, hair loss treatments, and support for conditions such as erectile dysfunction.
It is also common for pharmacies to provide additional services that are not funded by the NHS, such as home delivery of medicines. The availability of these services can vary locally, so it is advisable to check directly with your chosen pharmacy.
All pharmacies providing NHS pharmaceutical services must deliver a set of ‘Essential Services’, including the safe dispensing of medicines, repeat dispensing, and the disposal of unwanted medicines. Many pharmacies choose to offer additional services beyond these core requirements.
The NHS website is a useful starting point for finding local pharmacies, checking available services, and accessing information on prescription charges, including who is required to pay and who may be exempt.