Pharmacy recruitment revived after major funding boost announced for Community Pharmacies
The funding and operational framework for community pharmacies in 2024/25 and 2025/26 has now been finalised, marking a significant uplift—the largest across the entire NHS.
This announcement represents a major step towards stabilising and sustaining the community pharmacy sector, reinforcing the vital role these pharmacies play in frontline healthcare and reviving the pharmacy recruitment market for this healthcare vertical, meaning there is more money to invest into your frontline services.
Government Commitment to Community Pharmacy
Ministers have emphasised that this increased investment underlines the Government’s commitment to supporting community pharmacies. A firm pledge has been made to work towards a sustainable funding and operational model, acknowledging the essential contributions that pharmacies make to healthcare delivery.
Key Funding Details
The settlement will see baseline annual Community Pharmacy Contractual Framework (CPCF) funding increase to £3.073 billion by 2025/26. Additionally, an extra £215 million has been allocated to ensure the continuation of Pharmacy First and other Primary Care Recovery Plan services.
A crucial element of this settlement is the £193 million write-off of historic margin overspend, alongside a commitment to reviewing margin distribution. Taken together, these measures will result in a greater than 30% uplift in community pharmacy funding for the coming financial year compared to 2023/24.
Payment and Fee Adjustments
From 1st April, key payment structures will see the following changes:
- Single Activity Fee (SAF) will increase by 19p to £1.46 per item.
- The margin allowance for community pharmacy will rise to £900 million per year.
- Pharmacy First and Contraception Service fees will be increased.
- A new intermediary band for the Pharmacy First monthly payment has been introduced.
Service Expansions and Training Support
Looking ahead, antidepressants will be added to the New Medicine Service (NMS), and Emergency Hormonal Contraception (EHC) will be incorporated into the Contraception Service from October 2024.
A smaller-than-usual Pharmacy Quality Scheme (PQS) will focus on training to support these service expansions, with a 75% aspiration payment available to claim in May.
Regulatory Adjustments and Further Developments
Community Pharmacy England has also secured several regulatory changes, including reforms relating to:
- Distance Selling Pharmacies (DSPs)
- Pharmacy opening hours
- NMS subcontracting
These adjustments aim to enhance operational efficiency and ensure pharmacies can better meet patient needs.
Final Thoughts
With a 4.1% uplift in core funding for 2024/25, increasing to 7.5% when Pharmacy First funding is included, this settlement represents a positive step forward for the community pharmacy sector. As these changes take effect, pharmacies across the UK will benefit from enhanced financial stability and a greater ability to provide essential healthcare services.
For more details, pharmacy owners are encouraged to review the joint letter outlining the full funding arrangements.
Stay updated with Prospect Health Recruitment, for insights and career opportunities in the pharmacy sector.
This funding will mean you have more budget to recruit pharmacy professionals for your business. To find out how we can help you can ring us on 01423 813457 or email us at [email protected]
Meet our Pharmacy Team
Paige Swales
Pharmacy Recruitment Consultant
Gemma Brice
Pharmacy Recruitment Consultant
