Royal College of Pharmacy in England
We support, promote and lead the pharmacy profession across all sectors of pharmacy in England.
The Royal College of Pharmacy is a GB-wide organisation, but there are significant differences in policy in England, Scotland and Wales. That’s why England has its own National Pharmacy Advisory Council and RCPharm England team: to ensure we understand and support all our members and the wider profession in England.
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Contact your RCPharm Regional Ambassador.
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RCPharm calls for prescription charges to be abolished following new poll
A survey from the National Pharmacy Association shows that one in ten people in England went without a medicine in the past year because of cost concerns. In response, Amandeep Doll, the Royal College of Pharmacy’s Director for England, said: “These findings are worrying and reflect what pharmacists know all too well. Every day, pharmacists are asked by patients who cannot afford all the medicines on their prescription which ones they could ‘do without’. Patients should not have to make choices which involve rationing their medicines. “Prescription charges are an unfair tax on health. They risk exacerbating health inequalities by creating financial barriers to accessing essential medicines, particularly for people on lower incomes and those managing long-term conditions. “There is no good reason why patients in England should face this barrier when prescriptions are already free in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. With the Budget next week, the government has an opportunity to put an end to this outdated and complex system and abolish prescription charges in England.” Read more news stories. Read our policy on prescription charges in England.
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As new campaign launches, RCPharm highlights rising abuse of community pharmacy teams
The Royal College of Pharmacy is backing a new NHS England campaign aimed at encouraging the public to treat pharmacy teams with respect and recognising the vital role they play in delivering care in local communities. Amandeep Doll, director for England, recently highlighted on BBC Morning Live the growing levels of abuse and aggression faced by community pharmacy teams across the country. During the interview, Amandeep explained how pressures across the wider health service, coupled with ongoing medicines shortages, can leave patients feeling frustrated. She described how pharmacy teams often bear the brunt of this, despite working hard to help people access the care and medicines they need, stressing that abuse towards pharmacy staff is never acceptable. Amandeep also highlighted the College’s call for the government to give pharmacists greater flexibility to make appropriate substitutions when prescribed medicines are unavailable, helping patients receive treatment more quickly and reducing unnecessary delays. The campaign is the first of the 2026/2027 Community Pharmacy Contract. Pharmacy owners must promote the campaign from 5–25 October, which can be done by displaying posters at the pharmacy or providing information on the pharmacy’s website or on its social media channels. Community pharmacy teams play an essential role in supporting patients and ensuring safe access to medicines. The College continues to call for measures to protect the wellbeing of the pharmacy workforce. Watch BBC Morning Live Experiencing abuse can be distressing. Contact our Professional Support line for confidential advice; The Pharmaceutical Journal has useful guidance on approaching difficult situations and challenging conversations; Download NHS posters to encourage patients to treat pharmacy teams with respect.
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Royal College of Pharmacy welcomes expansion of Pharmacy First Services
Commenting on the Government’s expansion of the NHS Pharmacy First service in England, which will enable patients to receive treatment for five additional conditions through participating community pharmacies, Chair of the Royal College of Pharmacy's English Pharmacy Advisory Council, Professor Mahendra Patel OBE, said: “We welcome the expansion of the NHS Pharmacy First service in England to include treatment for migraines, acne, ear infections, rhinitis and scabies. “The expansion of clinical services not only empowers patients with greater choice on where and how they receive care but also makes the most of the valuable skills of pharmacists and their teams. “It reinforces the value of the clinical expertise that pharmacists bring to patients, communities and the wider NHS, through providing services that are convenient, accessible and trusted by the public. “As Pharmacy First continues to evolve, it is vital that investment in the pharmacy workforce and infrastructure keeps pace with growing demand. The College looks forward to working with the NHS, government and pharmacy teams to ensure patients can continue to benefit from high-quality, clinical care delivered through their local pharmacy.” Read more news stories.
Our work in England
Our vision for England
Our vision for the role of and value of pharmacists and pharmacy teams.
Pharmacy practice
Working with NHS England and APTUK on inclusive pharmacy practice.
Future of pharmacy
The NHS in England is changing. Find out what this means for pharmacy.
How we work in England
National Pharmacy Advisory Council
Meet the elected council for England and find out how it works.
The Royal College of Pharmacy England team
Supporting members and leading pharmacy in England.
Our policy and advocacy work
Find out more about the College’s policy and advocacy work.