Independent Prescriber (IP) Pathfinder

What is the Pathfinder Pilot?

The Community Pharmacy Pathfinder Pilot is a national NHS initiative testing how pharmacist independent prescribing (IP) can be implemented at scale across England. Each ICB has a small number of pilot sites to evaluate service models, workforce readiness, and clinical pathways.

In Leicester, Leicestershire & Rutland (LLR), we have five community pharmacy sites participating. The pilot runs until March 2025 and is being independently evaluated by partners including Manchester University.

Why Independent Prescribing Matters

This pilot builds on the existing expertise within community pharmacy and supports the transformation of pharmacy into a first-contact clinical service.

Key Benefits:

✅ Improved access to care in the community
✅ Reduced pressure on GPs by managing minor conditions
✅ Faster access to prescriptions where appropriate
✅ Supports NHS goals in the Primary Care Access Recovery Plan (PCARP)
✅ Creates clinical training opportunities for newly qualified pharmacists, who will all be IPs from 2026
✅ Supports workforce sustainability through place-based development and career pathways

Services Being Delivered in LLR

Pharmacist Independent Prescribers at our LLR pilot sites provide the following services:

• Acute Illness
  Assessment and prescribing for same-day minor ailments

• Unavailable Medicines
  Clinical assessment and prescription of alternatives for out-of-stock medications

• Asthma Reviews
  Structured respiratory reviews for ongoing management

Prescribing follows strict governance under national and local guidelines, including a defined formulary and professional competencies.

How to Access the Service

Referrals can be made in several ways:

• From GP practices and PCNs

• From other community pharmacies

• Self-referral by patients

Referral pathways are developed locally, ensuring integration with general practice and other healthcare providers.

Meet the LLR Pathfinder Sites

📍 Brothers – Braunstone
👤 Rahul Patel – Pharmacy.FW047@nhs.net

📍 Evans – Castle Donington
👤 David Evans – Pharmacy.FDE08@nhs.net

📍 Moins – East Park Road
👤 Moin Kolia – Pharmacy.FTV47@nhs.net

📍 Sonichem – Leicester
👤 Atiya & Irfan Motalia – Pharmacy.FRD09@nhs.net

📍 Rutland Late Night – Oakham
👤 Mo Ibrahim – Pharmacy.FC826@nhs.net

Contact the Project Team

If you’re a healthcare professional or system stakeholder and would like more information:

Paul Gilbert
Community Pharmacy Clinical Lead – LLR ICB
📧 paul.gilbert7@nhs.net

Margie O’Connell
Independent Prescribing Project Manager
📧 margieo’connell@nhs.net