New NHS pharmacy contract applications
Obtaining a new NHS pharmacy contract is complex and competitive. The regulations govern every aspect of the application, and errors or omissions can result in refusal. TI Pharmacy Consultancy provides end-to-end support from initial assessment through to determination.
References from named referees are no longer required as part of NHS pharmacy market entry applications. This change, which came into effect on 1 October 2024, applies to new pharmacy applications and fitness information submissions. Applications submitted after this date should not include referee details. TI Pharmacy Consultancy keeps up to date with all regulatory changes — contact us before submitting any application.
What we do
- Initial assessment of your proposed site against the pharmaceutical needs assessment (PNA) and local population data
- Advising on the most appropriate application route — current needs, future needs, improvements or better access, unforeseen benefits
- Preparation of all application paperwork and supporting documents for submission to PCSE
- Fitness to practise documentation where required
- Responding to third-party representations and objections
- Oral hearing support if required
- Appeal preparation if the initial application is refused
How it works
Initial consultation
Free assessment of your proposed site and the realistic prospects of a successful application.
PNA and site review
We review the relevant pharmaceutical needs assessment and advise on the strongest application route.
Application preparation
Full preparation of your application, covering letter, supporting evidence and fitness documentation.
Submission to PCSE
We submit your completed application and manage all communications with PCSE and the ICB.
Representations and hearing
We respond to any objections and attend oral hearings if required.
Determination and beyond
We advise on next steps whether the application is granted, refused or subject to appeal.
Most new contract applications are subject to objection from neighbouring pharmacies. We prepare you for this from the outset.
Frequently asked questions
Under the NHS (Pharmaceutical and Local Pharmaceutical Services) Regulations 2013, a new pharmacy application can succeed on one of four grounds: current unmet need, future need, improvements or better access, or unforeseen benefits. The appropriate ground depends on the specific site and the content of the local pharmaceutical needs assessment (PNA). Choosing the wrong application route is one of the most common reasons applications fail.
The process typically takes between 6 and 18 months from submission to determination, depending on the complexity of the application, whether representations are received and whether an oral hearing is required. Applications that proceed to appeal can take significantly longer. TI Pharmacy Consultancy advises on realistic timelines at the outset.
No. From 1 October 2024, references from named referees are no longer required as part of NHS pharmacy market entry applications in England. This change applies to new pharmacy applications and fitness information submissions. Applications submitted after this date should not include referee details.
Most new pharmacy applications attract representations from neighbouring pharmacies and other interested parties during the notification period. TI Pharmacy Consultancy prepares responses to all representations and attends any oral hearing before the ICB. Receiving objections does not mean an application will fail — many successful applications are subject to significant opposition.
If an application is refused by the ICB, you generally have 30 days to appeal to NHS Resolution's Primary Care Appeals service. Analysis of NHS Resolution decisions shows that approximately 40% of pharmacy appeals succeed. TI Pharmacy Consultancy assesses appeal prospects and manages the full appeal process.
Ready to start?
Contact us for a free initial assessment. We will review your situation and give you an honest view of your options and the likely chances of success — before you commit to anything.
Get in touch