**New Opportunities** Expressions of interest process open for locally commissioned services
NHS Thames Valley Integrated Care Board (ICB) is inviting Expressions of Interest (EOIs) from community pharmacies across Berkshire West, East Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire to participate in two locally commissioned enhanced services commencing in Autumn 2026:
- Minor Ailment Enhanced Service
- Emergency Provision of Medicines Enhanced Service
Further information on both services is provided below, with full details available in the attached service specifications. Please note that these specifications are currently in draft form and are therefore subject to change. If you are interested in providing either or both of these services, please complete the relevant Microsoft Forms using the links below. The Expression of Interest forms will close at 23:30 on 13 September 2026.
For pharmacies that are part of a multiple organisation, please ensure this email is forwarded to the appropriate lead within your organisation.
Minor Ailment Enhanced Service
This Locally Commissioned Service (LCS) aims to support residents who may face financial difficulties in purchasing over-the-counter (OTC) medications for minor ailments by providing OTC medication free to the patient subject to eligibility checks. This service is designed to improve access by offering care closer to home, address the inequalities gap and reduce the need for GP appointments used for the treatment of minor ailments.
To express your interest in providing this service please complete the following MS Form by 13th September: Minor Ailments Enhanced Service Expression of interest – Fill in form
DRAFT TV Minor Ailments Service spec Oct 26.v3
Emergency Provision of Medicines Enhanced Service
This LCS is designed to ensure timely and equitable access to emergency/urgent medicines E.g palliative and end-of-life care medicines and anti virals, for patients whose needs may be urgent, complex, and difficult to predict.
In line with the NHS ambition to deliver more care in community settings and enable people to receive high-quality care closer to home, participating pharmacy contractors will maintain an agreed range of specialist palliative care medicines and anti-virals and commit to providing prompt access to these medicines during their core, supplementary and Bank Holiday opening hours.
Please note:
- There will be a selection criterion to determine which pharmacies will be included in providing the service. More information on this is available in the expression of interest form.
- The emergency provision of medicines service is going through the appropriate approval processes so may be subject to change or delay
To express your interest in providing this service please complete the following MS Form by 13th September: Thames Valley Emergency Provision of Medicines Enhanced Service – Fill in form
DRAFT_emergency provision of medicines.Oct26.v1
If you have any questions about any of these services, please contact tvicb.pod.services@nhs.net
