Looking at the news, there are several developments in pharmacy services this autumn. The Pharmacy Contraception Service will grow in October 2025, with pharmacies able to provide oral emergency contraception from the end of October. Meanwhile, North Middlesex University Hospital are piloting a new Pharmacy First referral pathway, directing patients with minor conditions to local pharmacies for treatment and advice. In vaccination, NHS England has updated the Covid vaccine Patient Group Direction for patients aged five and above, outlining eligibility, training requirements, and recommended vaccines for the 2025 autumn campaign. These initiatives highlight pharmacy’s increasing frontline role as 10YHP plans start to roll out.
In wider news this week, the UK has fallen sharply in global rankings for pharmaceutical investment, according to an ABPI and PwC report. Despite a strong science base, pharma R&D investment has stagnated since 2018, with foreign life sciences funding dropping 58% between 2021 and 2023. Barriers include low NHS spending on medicines, limited patient access to new drugs, and high clawback rates. Weak clinical trial delivery has further deterred investors. The report points to opportunities in health data, AI, advanced therapies, and regulatory reform, but warns that without urgent policy change the UK risks losing ground to more competitive markets.
We look forward to seeing you all at the NEC in a few weeks’ time!
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