The move to private services

In addition to allowing pharmacies to diversify income, there is a rising patient demand as patients in some areas continue to face increased waiting times in GP services as well as NHS restrictions on access (e.g. the tirzepatide rollout).

Private pharmacy services offer more flexibility, convenience and speed. It is important to recognise the regulatory and training considerations: pharmacy technicians may need training or authorisation (e.g. using patient group directions).

Some services require only a day or two of training (e.g. travel vaccination or earwax removal), or more for phlebotomy/blood testing.

Also equity and accessibility concerns have been raised from some stakeholders that private services risk creating inequality (i.e. ability to pay) or decoupling the social goodwill role of pharmacies.

Private weight-loss programmes, dietary/lifestyle consultations and prescription of weight management medications have seen a large increase during 2025.

Aspects that pharmacists need to consider when planning to deliver private services include:

• Private services must still adhere to professional standards, pharmacy regulations and appropriate governance (e.g. informed consent, record keeping)
• There needs to be a clear separation between NHS contracted services and private paid services to maintain trust and transparency
• Pricing, marketing and workforce capacity must be managed so private services do not undermine essential NHS commitments
• Private service expansion may support pharmacies in under-resourced areas, but this needs to be balanced so as not to create postcode or income based inequalities.