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Does the General Pharmaceutical Council’s new guidance for registered pharmacies hit the mark? Richard Hough and Thorrun Govind find out…

In February, the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) released its updated guidance for registered pharmacies providing pharmacy services at a distance, including on the internet.

This updated guidance reflects the evolving landscape of pharmacy practice, driven by technological advancements and changes in service delivery methods.

It builds on the principles which were established in the original guidance, offering more detailed instructions to ensure the safe and effective delivery of pharmacy services.

An update was very much needed to ensure the regulator was providing information in accordance with how pharmacy services are being delivered.

Importance of identifying and managing risks

The original guidance emphasised the importance of identifying and managing risks, establishing clear roles and accountability, maintaining necessary records, and safeguarding patient information and vulnerable groups.

Meanwhile, the new guidance expands on these principles by providing more detailed requirements for risk assessment, particularly for online services. It includes guidelines for accountability, record-keeping and managing third-party providers.

Whilst the focus of the original guidance was on ensuring that staff were suitably qualified and empowered to use their professional judgement and able to raise concerns, the 2025 guidance builds significantly on these principles by emphasising the need for specific training in information security, communication skills and new technologies.

Maintaining the security and suitability of premises

It highlights the importance of staff understanding their roles in the context of distance services and ensuring they are equipped to provide safe and effective care.

The recent guidance adds detailed requirements for digital platforms, ensuring they are secure, transparent and that they clearly display information about the pharmacy.

It includes information on maintaining the security and suitability of premises used for distance services, reflecting the increased reliance on and popularity of digital platforms in modern pharmacy practice.

The new guidance also emphasises transparency and patient choice, ensuring patients have the information they need to make informed decisions about their care.

It includes more detailed guidance for managing medicines safely at a distance, verifying patient identity, and ensuring appropriate consultation methods.

These additions reflect the unique challenges and risks associated with providing pharmacy services at a distance and, given the variety of approaches, should assist with a more standardised approach.

Updated guidance expands on requirement for facilities to be safe

The earlier standards required equipment and facilities to be safe, fit for purpose, and maintained appropriately.

The updated guidance expands on these requirements by including specific guidelines for the use of automated dispensing systems, secure storage and the maintenance of digital platforms.

It also stresses the importance of business continuity plans for equipment failure, ensuring that pharmacies can continue to provide services even in the event of technical issues.

The recent guidance also places a stronger emphasis on legal compliance, particularly concerning online services, data protection, and advertising.

It specifically references the importance of the MHRA’s Blue Guide: advertising and promoting medicines in the UK, and the rules and guidance provided by the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA).

It also includes more detailed requirements for conducting regular audits to ensure service quality and safety.

The guidance aims to support pharmacies in adapting to new technologies while maintaining high standards of patient care, ensuring that patients receive high-quality care regardless of how they access pharmacy services.

What is missing?

While the 2025 guidance significantly enhances the framework for distance pharmacy services, there are areas that could benefit from further development.

It lacks detail on integrating pharmacy services with other healthcare systems. This would help ensure seamless communication and data sharing between pharmacies, GPs and other healthcare providers.

There could also have been a stronger emphasis on educating patients about using online pharmacy services, including understanding the risks and benefits, navigating digital platforms and recognising legitimate services.

As technology continues to evolve, the guidance must be regularly updated to address new technological developments, such as artificial intelligence in pharmacy services and advanced data analytics.

Additionally, whilst the guidance enhances patient feedback mechanisms, it could further detail how pharmacies should analyse and act on this feedback to drive continuous improvement.

Only by addressing these areas can the GPhC further support patient safety, ensuring that pharmacies are well-equipped to meet the challenges and opportunities of providing services at a distance.

This can only benefit standards of patient care and safety in an increasingly evolving digital healthcare environment.

Richard Hough is a partner and head of healthcare at Brabners LLP and a former pharmacist. His co-author Thorrun Govind is a solicitor at Brabners, a pharmacist and TV health expert.