Looking ahead

Independent prescribing and digital

The independent prescribing workforce growth continues to reshape front-door access, particularly in Scotland (see below). Expect a steady reduction in PGD-only models as more community pharmacists qualify, so build IP-friendly clinics into premises/rota plans, even in England.

Also, keep an eye on national IT enablement timelines (consultation recording, transfer of care, contraception service templates) tied to the late-2025 PCS expansion. 

New GP contract

From 1 October, changes to the GP contract have affected how other healthcare providers can access and contribute to patient records.

GP Connect: Access Record – which allows authorised providers such as community pharmacies to view a patient’s GP record – has now been formally implemented. GP Connect: Update Record, the functionality that allows pharmacies to send relevant information (e.g. from Pharmacy First) into the GP record, should now be functional in all practices.

The BMA has advised that “information will become visible to the patient via the NHS app or other patient facing services after it has been formally filed into a patient’s record, either automatically based on rules established by (the) practice or after manual review”.