NHS CPCS – expanding minor illness referrals from NHS111

Community pharmacists delivering CPCS are already successfully consulting over 12,000 patients a week referred to the service.  Based on 2021 data, this review could generate 275,000 additional referral opportunities annually to CPCS.

This document explains the NHS Community Pharmacist Consultation Service expansion of minor illness referrals from NHS111.

If you have any queries, please contact england.pharmacyintegration@nhs.net or england.dos@nhs.net

Community Pharmacist Consultation Service (CPCS) CD emergency supply

  • Supplies of no more than 5 days medication (schedule 4 or 5 CDs only) can be provided including but not limited to:
    • Some benzodiazepines e.g. diazepam
    • Codeine and dihydrocodeine e.g. co-codamol
    • Oramorph 10mg/5mL oral solution
    • Anabolic steroids
    • Z-drugs e.g. zopiclone
  • A CPCS referral does not mean that a pharmacist must make the supply, it should still be clinically screened and assessed
  • Be aware that some patients try to use the scheme to obtain additional dependence forming medicines, and be vigilant in assessment of those attempting to obtain repeat CPCS supplies
  • Phenobarbital can only be supplied via CPCS for treatment of epilepsy and must still only be for up to 5 days treatment
  • Testogel is a schedule 4 CD but its smallest pack size is over 5 days supply, therefore a prescription must be supplied

Please see relevant links below:

The Human Medicines Regulations 2012

Community Pharmacist Consultation Service (CPCS) – Community Pharmacy England