Independent Prescribing

NHS England have announced the five new prescribing pathways which will be added to Pharmacy First from ‘autumn’ 2026:

• Acute otitis externa – for adults aged 18 years and over
• Seasonal allergic rhinitis – for children aged 4-11 years
• Mild to moderate acne – for young people
• Migraine – low frequency, episodic, adults aged 18-64 years
• Mild skin and soft tissue infections and scabies

Pharmacies will need to have an appropriately qualified pharmacist independent prescriber and have been approved to become a prescribing pharmacy.

The national press coverage this week may lead patients to believe these services are available immediately from every community pharmacy so make sure pharmacy teams are aware and prepared for questions from patients. Teams should be able to explain that the new pathways are not yet available, will initially only be offered by selected participating pharmacies and that they are still waiting for further information.

Further information/training opportunities:

• Acute otitis externa – for adults aged 18 years and over
  • https://cks.nice.org.uk/topics/otitis-externa/

• Seasonal allergic rhinitis – for children aged 4-11 years
  • https://cks.nice.org.uk/topics/allergic-rhinitis/
• Mild to moderate acne – for young people
  • https://cks.nice.org.uk/topics/acne-vulgaris/
  • Webinar Wednesday 16^th September at 1pm https://cpsc.org.uk/news/latest-cpsc-news/independent-prescribing-acne
• Migraine – low frequency, episodic, adults aged 18-64 years
  • https://cks.nice.org.uk/topics/migraine/
  • Webinars 23^rd and 24^th September at 1pm https://cpsc.org.uk/news/latest-cpsc-news/independent-prescribing-migraine
• Mild skin and soft tissue infections and scabies
  • https://cks.nice.org.uk/topics/boils-carbuncles-staphylococcal-carriage/management/boils-carbuncles/
  • https://cks.nice.org.uk/topics/scabies/

Read the full update from Community Pharmacy England here – NHS England announce the new Pharmacy First prescribing pathways – Community Pharmacy England

NHS England is also hosting a webinar to provide an overview of available prescribing IT solutions and to support pharmacies in preparing for future prescribing services.

Thursday 1 October 2026 6:30pm – 7:30pm

https://www.events.england.nhs.uk/events/getting-ready-for-prescribing-it-options

Pharmacist Enhanced Practice Pathway

A pilot has been launched into the education and training pathway available for newly qualified independent prescribers working in community pharmacy to support pharmacists in developing the confidence and competence required for independent prescribing practice.  Register here:  Pharmacist Enhanced Practice Pathway