New legislation to close distance selling pharmacy applications

From 23 June, no new applications for distance selling pharmacies (DSP) will be permitted, under new legislation.

The legislation follows concerns about ‘pseudo’ DSPs. According to the CCA, over 70 per cent of DSPs dispense more than 50 per cent of their prescriptions to patients from a single postcode area located within 10 miles of the pharmacy. The complaint is that this undermines conventional pharmacies’ trade in those areas.

In 2023, DSPs accounted for the bulk of new pharmacy applications.

The enabling legislation, The National Health Service (Charges, Remission of Charges and Pharmaceutical Services etc.) (Amendment and Transitional Provisions) Regulations 2025, is supported by further legislation coming into effect on October 1, which stops DSPs delivering Directed services face-to-face with patients, onsite at the distance selling premises. There is an exception for NHS COVID-19 and Flu vaccinations which will continue to be delivered by the distance selling premises until 31 March 2026.

Another change also makes it easier for pharmacies to change their core opening hours, provided these better meet the needs of their patients and users of the pharmacy.

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