Emma Anderson, Evans Pharmacy
A small number of pharmacists in Nottingham and Nottinghamshire are taking part in a new trial scheme which enables them to prescribe medicines directly to patients for a range of additional conditions, without them having to see their GP.
From September 2026, all newly qualified pharmacists will be independent prescribers, which means they’ll have completed additional training to allow them to write prescriptions. To prepare for this change, the NHS has commissioned the trial to help work out the best way to make use of pharmacists’ growing skills.
The Independent Prescribing Pathfinder Programme is in addition to the Pharmacy First scheme, widely available at community pharmacies across Nottingham and Nottinghamshire, which can provide treatments for seven common conditions – please see https://notts.icb.nhs.uk/your-services
/community-pharmacy for details.
Emma Anderson of Evans Pharmacy in East Leake, is one of four independent prescriber pharmacists in Nottingham and Nottinghamshire, and 200 pharmacists across the whole of England, taking part in the programme.
This means that, as part of this trial, patients can see Emma to receive NHS treatments for on-the-day illnesses including chest infections (patients aged 12 years and over) and ear pain (patients aged one year and over), and new-onset skin conditions (patients aged one year and over), plus many others.
The service will usually be available at the East Leake practice at the following times, but patients are advised to call ahead on 01509 852 810 or ask in the pharmacy to find out about these additional services and check availability:
- Mondays: 9am to 1pm and 2pm to 5pm
- Thursdays: 9am to 1pm and 2pm to 5pm
- Fridays: 9am to 2pm.
This service has the potential to significantly improve access to a range of NHS treatments for on-the-day acute illness for residents of East Leake, Keyworth, Ruddington and the surrounding area in Rushcliffe, who’d previously have had to make an appointment with their GP.
For more details about services available through the NHS Pharmacy Independent Prescribing Pathfinder at Evans Pharmacy in East Leake please visit www.evanspharmacy.com/evans-pharmacy-east-leake-i49.