The UK Government has launched a six-week consultation on a proposed change to the 2021 Medicines Act that would allow pharmacy technicians to supply and administer medicines under a patient group direction (PGD).

The proposed statutory instrument, which would be effective in England, Scotland and Wales (pharmacy technicians are not currently registered professionals in Northern Ireland), would offer “clear benefits” in areas like vaccination and the provision of oral contraception and EHC, said the Department of Health and Social Care today (August 18).

The Department commented: “The proposed use of PGDs will enable patients to access the medicines and services they require in a timely and effective manner, avoiding the risks associated with delayed care, and improving patient outcomes. 

“With the continuing expansion of more than 4,500 registered pharmacy technicians working in primary care, the opportunities for patient-centred service redesign are critical to enable improved access to healthcare, address health inequalities and reduce burden on general practice.”

The plans – which the DHSC said are supported by all four Home Nations – would not extend to the supply of controlled drugs, said the Department.

An impact assessment published alongside the consultation outline offers a best estimate cost of £3.9bn for rolling out the changes, largely driven by training requirements, and a best estimate of net benefits in the region of £1.9bn in savings to health services in Great Britain.

The consultation runs until 11:59pm on September 29 2023.