Pharmacy opening hours variation applications

Core hours are the mandatory opening hours that form part of your NHS contract — the minimum hours you are required to open to provide essential services. Supplementary hours are additional hours you have agreed to open beyond your core hours. Changes to both types require formal applications, but they are assessed differently by the ICB.

From June 2025, applications to change core opening hours must specify which of two routes applies. Route 1 covers reductions or rearrangements to existing core hours — for example, closing earlier or shifting hours to different days. Route 2 covers additional circumstances introduced by the new regulations. The ICB assesses each route differently. Submitting under the wrong route, or without the correct supporting information, can delay approval. TI Pharmacy Consultancy advises on the correct route before any application is submitted.

Yes. Temporary arrangements — for example during refurbishment, emergency closure or staffing difficulties — can be agreed with the ICB without a formal permanent variation. The process and notice requirements differ from a permanent change. TI Pharmacy Consultancy advises on the correct approach for temporary arrangements.

100-hours pharmacies are pharmacies that were granted NHS contracts specifically on the basis that they would open for 100 or more hours per week — a route that was available until its closure. They are subject to specific contractual requirements regarding their opening hours. TI Pharmacy Consultancy advises on compliance obligations for 100-hours pharmacies and manages any applications relating to their hours.

Straightforward opening hours applications are typically determined more quickly than market entry applications — often within a few weeks to a few months, depending on the ICB and whether the variation is contested. TI Pharmacy Consultancy manages the process and follows up with the ICB to ensure timely determination.