We’re ‘fundamental’ to future ICBs, say pharmacists

Medicines management teams should not be targeted by imminent cost cuts and must remain a “fundamental component” of the new model for integrated care boards, NHS England has been told.

An open letter sent on behalf of ICB chief pharmacists to the new NHS England leadership last week stressed the need to keep tight control of the service’s £20bn medicines spend. ICBs have been told they must cut their running costs in half by October, and there is considerable debate at local and national level over where the axe should fall. 

The letter said: “Prescribing is one of the most volatile expenditures in the NHS, and we are collectively keen to work with you to maintain grip on the management of this precious resource.”

The letter’s authors claim ICB medicines management teams made savings worth £500m in 2024-25. Reducing spend on medicines - which is the second-largest area of NHS expenditure after staffing - features prominently in ICB cost improvement plans across the country. 

The letter continues: “We recognise that we need to continue to transform how the system and individual people use medicines effectively (including alternatives to prescribing).” This requires, it suggested, “professional pharmacy leadership in all sectors” to “navigate the conflicting complexities of supporting financial balance”.

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Source: HSJ, 25 April 2025