New rules for general practitioners and pharmacies

By rocka 19/10/2026 2 min read 74 views

According to the new contract, general practitioners must operate a dedicated and monitored email address that handles all communications with pharmacies. The requirement is intended to create a reliable channel for prescription queries, medication clarifications and urgent alerts. By using a single, overseen inbox, the system aims to reduce misunderstandings and speed up the exchange of information between doctors and pharmacy staff.

Hospital trusts have been advised to pinpoint and prescribe medicines that are needed urgently within the first 24 hours after a patient arrives in an emergency department. This guidance is meant to protect patients by ensuring that life-saving drugs are not delayed. The 24-hour window sets a clear benchmark for clinicians to follow when handling critical cases.

The coroner in Wales has expressed concern about the limited ability of pharmacists to view patient records. The official highlighted that without proper access, pharmacists cannot verify medication histories or check for potential interactions. Improving record accessibility is being presented as a necessary step to enhance safety for those receiving pharmacy-based care.

All former Jhoots pharmacy locations that were acquired by Allied Pharmacies are scheduled to reopen after the takeover was completed. The reopening plan is designed to keep local communities supplied with essential pharmacy services. By restoring these outlets, the operator hopes to avoid gaps in medication availability for residents.

NICE has revised its guidance for type 2 diabetes, expanding the range of patients who may be prescribed SGLT-2 inhibitors and GLP-1 receptor agonists. The update reflects a broader effort to give clinicians more options when tailoring treatment plans for individuals with the condition.

Pharmacies across the country are prepared to deliver flu vaccinations, a service that could be threatened if general practitioners withdraw their participation.

A patient safety commissioner plans to meet with the prime minister to discuss the postponed compensation scheme for those affected by valproate exposure. The commissioner described the delay as disappointing.