The government has announced a £340 million deal for pharmacies.

The new contractual framework will mean that pharmacists who hold an Independent Prescribing qualification will be able to assess patients and prescribe medicines directly.

The changes will be rolled out from Autumn 2026 and aims to reduce the number of referrals back to GPs and trips to an urgent treatment centre or A&E.

Minister of State for Care, Stephen Kinnock said: "Through our landmark 10 Year Health Plan, we are making the most of our highly skilled pharmacists, while boosting access to services and giving patients more care right on their doorstep.

"Independent Prescribing will play a major part in delivering this shift – easing pressures on GPs, cutting unnecessary red tape and helping patients get the right care closer to home."

Dr Amanda Doyle, National Director for Primary Care and Community Services at NHS England said: "Community pharmacies already play a vital role in delivering NHS care closer to home, and this agreement will make it easier for patients to get advice, treatment, and medicines through their local pharmacy.

"Expanding independent prescribing will help make better use of the clinical expertise within our community pharmacy teams, helping patients get the right care in the right place while helping reducing pressure on other NHS services."