Written question WQ89143

In April 2022 we implemented the significant contractual reforms described in Presgripsiwn Newydd - A New Prescription (gov.wales); building on the significant progress we had already made to increase the provision of clinical services by pharmacies in Wales. The reforms provide for a collaborative, innovative and progressive approach to the delivery of pharmaceutical care through which we maximise the impact of community pharmacy teams to meet the needs of the NHS and people in Wales now and for future generations. Presgripsiwn Newydd provides the framework to transform the scope of, and deliver increased access to, community pharmacy services.

This year, Health Education Improvement Wales (HEIW) is making at least 150 places available for community pharmacists to train as prescribers enabling them to support many more patients with more complex health needs.

For those who already prescribe, HEIW will publish new Standards for Competency Assurance of Non-Medical Prescribers in Wales to complement the existing Competency Framework for All Prescribers and guidance on Expanding Prescribing Scope of Practice published by the Royal Pharmaceutical Society which support prescribers to identify their developmental needs, highlight ways in which these needs can be met, and expand their scope of practice.