Clinical Pharmacists are an integral part of the general practice team, working alongside GPs, nurses, and other healthcare professionals to optimise patient care. They provide expert medication management, improve prescribing safety, and enhance patient outcomes through direct consultations. Their role includes reviewing and reconciling medications after hospital discharge, reducing polypharmacy risks, and promoting adherence to prescribed treatments. They also assist with managing complex medication regimens and providing specialist advice on high-risk medicines.

The Role of Clinical Pharmacists in General Practice

NHS England Clinical Pharmacists.

By supporting patients with long-term conditions, addressing medication-related queries, and conducting structured medication reviews, Clinical Pharmacists help reduce GP workload while ensuring safe and effective treatment plans. They also contribute to public health initiatives, such as smoking cessation programmes and weight management support. Furthermore, they play a crucial role in antimicrobial stewardship, reducing antibiotic resistance through appropriate prescribing practices.

• Conducting structured medication reviews to ensure safe prescribing practices
• Managing long-term conditions like diabetes, hypertension, and asthma
• Supporting medicines optimisation and deprescribing where necessary
• Providing structured education and guidance to patients about their medicines
• Working collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams to enhance patient care
• Identifying and addressing medication-related hospital readmissions
• Delivering immunisation and vaccination programmes where applicable
• Contributing to antimicrobial stewardship and reducing medication-related harm

To work as a Clinical Pharmacist in general practice, you must be a registered pharmacist with the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC). Many roles require or encourage an independent prescribing qualification, which allows pharmacists to manage and initiate treatments. Additional postgraduate training, such as the Postgraduate Diploma in Clinical Pharmacy or advanced clinical practice courses, is highly beneficial.

Studying Pharmacy in the NHS.

Clinical Pharmacists in general practice often complete additional training through the Centre for Pharmacy Postgraduate Education (CPPE) Primary Care Pharmacy Education Pathway (PCPEP). This pathway equip pharmacists with the necessary skills to work autonomously in patient-facing roles, with a focus on consultation skills, clinical assessment, and leadership development.

An overview of the training pathway for Clinical Pharmacists, the Challenges and Benefits of the role with references & further reading

Opportunities for Clinical Pharmacists include advanced clinical roles, specialist areas (e.g., cardiology, respiratory, mental health), and leadership positions such as Lead Clinical Pharmacist or PCN Pharmacy Lead. Many also move into academic research, policy development, or teaching roles within pharmacy education. Advanced Practice roles allow pharmacists to develop skills in complex case management, enhanced patient assessment, and independent clinical decision-making.

Career Planning for Healthcare Professionals

Pharmacy Careers in the NHS

Advanced Practice and Specialisation

As pharmacists gain experience, they may choose to pursue advanced practice roles through credentialing with organisations like the Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS).
These roles often involve:

• Managing complex patients with multimorbidity and polypharmacy
• Developing specialist expertise in areas such as cardiology, respiratory, and mental health
• Taking on leadership positions within Primary Care Networks (PCNs)
• Training and mentoring newly qualified pharmacists, foundation year trainee pharmacists, undergraduate pharmacy students, pharmacy technicians and other healthcare professionals
• Contributing to research and service improvement projects within primary care

NHS England The Centre for Advancing Practice 

BNSSG Training Hub Advanced Practice

• Clinical Pharmacist in General Practice
• PCN Clinical Pharmacist in General Practice
• Primary Care Pharmacy Association

• Primary Care Pharmacy Education Pathway (PCPEP)
• General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) Registration & Guidance
• Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS) Support and Training
• NHS England Pharmacy Integration Programme
• Primary Care Networks (PCNs) Guidance for Pharmacists
• The Centre for Advancing Practice

• Clinical Pharmacists in General Practice Networks (via LinkedIn and professional bodies)
• Webinars and Training Events – Check the BNSSG Training Hub website for upcoming sessions
• Independent Prescribing Courses – Available through universities and CPPE
• Mentorship Programmes – Access peer support and professional development schemes
• Advanced Clinical Practice Training – Offered through Higher Education Institutions and NHS programmes

• Royal Pharmaceutical Society – Prescribing