UNDER THE NEW MODEL, INDEPENDENT COMMUNITY PHARMACIES WILL NOW HAVE THE ABILITY TO COLLABORATE


3. The same spoke pharmacy, which supplies the medicines to the patient directly.


This model maintains the crucial pharmacist- patient interaction at the point of supply and ensures that the local pharmacy team remains in control of final checks, clinical oversight and face- to-face advice. The Department of Health in Northern Ireland (DoH NI) has indicated that other models may be considered for the future once this first model has been successfully implemented and evaluated.


Why It Matters Supporters argue that hub and spoke models have the potential to: • Improve efficiency by outsourcing parts of the dispensing process to centralised, automated hubs.


• Free up pharmacist time to deliver more clinical services, such as independent prescribing, consultations and chronic disease management.


• Support business resilience, particularly for smaller independents, by reducing the burden of repeat dispensing and improving workflow.


However, there are also widespread concerns. Independent pharmacies have raised questions around cost, governance, training and the risk of increased consolidation in the sector. Some fear that, over time, the introduction of such models could reduce autonomy and patient connection. That’s why the decision to start with only one tightly regulated model is seen as a cautious, measured first step.


Northern Ireland’s Path Forward While the legislation opens the door for hub and spoke arrangements in October 2025, the road ahead requires further work and clarity. • The Pharmaceutical Society of Northern Ireland (PSNI) will need to develop and issue guidance for the sector on the practical and regulatory requirements associated with the new model.


• The Department of Health NI will also need to consult with stakeholders to determine necessary changes to the Pharmaceutical Terms of Service (1997), particularly regarding the contractual and financial arrangements that underpin community pharmacy operations.


These next steps are essential to ensure consistency, fairness and safety for both patients and pharmacy professionals.


What Pharmacies Should Be Thinking About Now With less than four months until the enabling legislation comes into effect, pharmacy owners and teams in Northern Ireland should begin considering the impact of these changes: • Would entering a hub and spoke arrangement benefit our workflow?


• Do we have the infrastructure (both digital and logistical) to support such a model?


• Which partners (if any) would we trust to act as our hub?


• How would this affect our current staffing, delivery operations and patient relationships?


• Do our patients understand - and trust - the idea of their prescriptions being assembled off-site?


Clarity on many of these issues will emerge as guidance is developed. But forward-thinking pharmacy teams should already be exploring the risks and benefits and preparing questions for upcoming consultations.


Balancing Efficiency with Patient Trust Perhaps the most important consideration is patient perception. Community pharmacies in Northern Ireland have built a reputation on accessibility, personal care and trust. While the hub and spoke model offers operational efficiencies, it must not erode the pharmacist’s central role in the patient journey. The legal requirement to display signs explaining these arrangements is just the starting point. Thoughtful engagement with patients, clear messaging and robust training will be vital to ensure acceptance and maintain public confidence.


In Summary The October 2025 changes to hub and spoke legislation mark a milestone for pharmacy practice in Northern Ireland. They offer the potential for increased collaboration, greater efficiency and improved clinical capacity - but only if implemented with caution, transparency and fairness.


What's clear is the sector will need strong guidance, active consultation and continued investment to make hub and spoke dispensing work for everyone - most importantly, for the patients we serve.


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