Pharmacy Voice has welcomed the call from NHS England asking pharmacies and GPs to ensure all patients understand they have free choice to decide where their medicines are dispensed, without influence from healthcare staff, but insist more action is still needed.

Addressing the problem of prescription direction, NHS England is encouraging pharmacies and GPs to display its poster in a prominent position (i.e. in pharmacies, close to where patients receive prescriptions).

In response to this news, Elizabeth Wade, director of policy at Pharmacy Voice, said: “We are pleased that NHS England has finally taken this action, demonstrating that they are aware of the scale and seriousness of the issue with prescription direction. Most pharmacies and medical practices already ensure that patients’ rights to choose where to access pharmacy services are protected, but it is vital that the small numbers who do not are tackled. Pharmacy Voice therefore welcomes the call to GPs to display prominently a poster informing patients of their right to choose where their prescriptions are dispensed.

“However, the poster and accompanying letter are merely a first step in a broader plan that is taking too long to emerge. Stronger, more forceful action is needed urgently to stamp out prescription direction. Without this essential local pharmacies may be placed under threat, endangering patient access and continuity of care, and impacting on other healthcare services.”