DHSC launches consultation on pharmacist flexibility when dispensing medicines

The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) has launched a consultation on proposed legislative changes to allow ‘pharmacist flexibilities’ in community pharmacy dispensing. 

Currently, the Human Medicines Regulations 2012 require prescriptions to be dispensed exactly as written - same strength, formulation, and quantity - except for limited exceptions such as original pack dispensing or Serious Shortage Protocols. The new proposals would enable pharmacists to supply an alternative strength or formulation of a prescribed medicine, in circumstances where the original is unavailable and there is an urgent need, such as acute infections requiring immediate treatment. 

The aim is to improve patient access, reduce delays, and ease pressure on healthcare services. The proposals are framed to safeguard patient safety and the medicine supply chain and include some caveats. The summary notes that these flexibilities would not apply during nationally declared serious shortages unless explicitly authorised, to avoid exacerbating supply problems. Furthermore, these proposals do not cover pharmacist prescribing, generic substitution, or therapeutic substitution - areas with separate governance requirements. 

By formalising a statutory discretion, DHSC says it hopes to empower pharmacists to provide more person-centred care while reducing unnecessary GP referrals. The consultation, open until 11 December 2025, invites views from pharmacy professionals, healthcare stakeholders, and patients on the benefits, risks, and practical implications of the changes. If adopted, the reforms could mark a significant shift in pharmacy practice, supporting pharmacists to act more flexibly and responsively in the face of medicine supply challenges. 

The sector has welcomed these proposals but warned that they must be simple and provide genuine flexibility, rather than a rehash of existing systems. They also warn that they should not be seen as a sticking plaster for medicines shortages, and work should be undertaken to ensure the UK remains attractive to manufacturers and suppliers. 

Submit your response to the consultation before 11:59pm on 11 December - https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/enabling-pharmacist-flexibilities-when-dispensing-medicines