Pulse PCN and The Pharmacist launch a Pharmacists in practice roundtable
Pulse PCN and The Pharmacist have launched a roundtable on pharmacists working in primary care networks, titled Pharmacists in practice.
Pharmacists are the most popular role hired by GPs leading primary care networks (PCNs) via the additional roles reimbursement scheme (ARRS).
As of June 2025, there were 7,123 pharmacists employed through ARRS and they are frequently cited as the most useful role in the scheme by GPs and clinical directors in successive surveys.
This Pharmacists in practice roundtable brings together ARRS pharmacists and PCN clinical directors from across the country to discuss the benefits and challenges around this role.
It looks at how PCNs and practices work with ARRS pharmacists and pharmacists’ experience working across general practice.
Lead clinical pharmacist Jasmin Kilby said: ‘Since I joined Jurassic Coast PCN, I’ve never had a day when I thought I’m not being stretched enough. It’s a very full-on role and they’re always thinking of new ways that they can use us.’
Clinical director, Newport Central PCN, Shropshire, Dr Stefan Waldendorf, said: ‘We now have five pharmacists, all independent prescribers. They’re probably the most useful ARRS workforce we have and help to reduce the practice workload. They’ve taken over long-term condition clinics like hypertension or statin prescribing and reviews. They are very integrated in our team.’
Editor of Pulse PCN and The Pharmacist, Victoria Vaughan, said: ‘This Pharmaicists in practice roundtable was a great meeting, showcasing the extent to which pharmacists are now embedded in GP practices and an integral part of their offering.
‘It highlights a great example of different health professionals coming together to provide better care for their patients. With the right support the future of pharmacists in practice and the benefit they can bring through closer working with community colleagues is really exciting and exactly what the government in pushing for with neighbourhood working.’
Read more thought-provoking roundtables on Pulse PCN and The Pharmacist covering areas such as digital transformation, ARRS GPs, and independent prescribing structured medication reviews and early cancer diagnosis led by clinical directors from across England.
Pulse PCN’s roundtable series is part of our comprehensive offering for our community of PCN clinical directors and their teams. And they are hosted on the dedicated Pulse PCN site making it easier to access these great clinician-led debates.
For the opportunity to reach our audience of decision-makers across Pharmacy and PCNs through a variety of digital advertising options, please contact us today.