Independent Prescribing Pathfinder
At Brinsley Pharmacy we provide NHS treatment and prescription under the IP pathfinder pilot.
You can book a consultation with our prescribing pharmacist who will assess your condition. If appropriate, an NHS prescription can be produced for certain conditions.
Conditions we can treat include:
Oral Thrush – all ages
- Bacterial Conjunctivitis – when over the counter treatment is unsuitable
- Acute Respiratory Conditions – Ages 12 and over
- Acute Skin Conditions – All ages
- Ear infections – Ages 1 and over
- Uncomplicated UTI – Ages 16 and over
- Impetigo – Ages 1 and over
- Sore Throats – Ages 5 and over
- Shingles – Ages 12 and over
- Infected Inset Bites – Ages 1 and over
- Infected Eczema – All ages
- Acute Sinusitis – Ages 12 and over
What is it?
National pilot with each ICB in England having a small number of pathfinder Community Pharmacy sites with Independent prescribing. The aim is to produce learnings to enable to develop a national service.
Why is this important?
From September 2026 all newly qualified pharmacists will be independent prescribers (IP) including those joining community pharmacy. The development of IP as part of clinical services in community pharmacy is expected to have key benefits including:
· Improved patient access to healthcare across the system as simpler cases can be seen at the Community Pharmacy freeing up GP appointment slots for more complex patients. Access and the use of pharmacy is a key part of the national Primary Care Access Recovery Plan (PCARP) which as well as having national significance is also a priority for Notts ICB.
· Faster, more efficient care.
· Quicker access to prescriptions when appropriate
· Ensuring community pharmacists are working to their full potential.
· Creating the opportunity for placed based training for Foundation pharmacists and newly registered pharmacists to expand their clinical practice and create career pathways for a sustainable workforce in primary care both nationally and as part of the Notts ICB workforce faculty work.
What is the model?
In Nottingham and Nottinghamshire ICB, the first model is minor acuity on the day conditions within the individual IPs competencies. Prescribing to follow both national and local guidelines including the formulary.
What does it mean for you?
· An opportunity to be help inform national services by being involved in this transformational project
