27/03/2026
Official notice from Lincolnshire ICB regarding the dispensary service at the Surgery.
Patient Update
Following a meeting held by Pharmaceutical Service Regulation Committee (PSRC) on Friday 27th March at 10am.
Statement from NHS Lincolnshire Integrated Care Board
Following careful consideration, the committee has confirmed that, in line with national pharmaceutical regulations, the dispensary at Cliff Villages Medical Practice will close at 6pm on 10 April 2026.
Dispensing by GP practices is governed by the National Health Service (Pharmaceutical and Local Pharmaceutical Services) Regulations 2013, which set strict criteria on when a practice is allowed to dispense medicines to patients.
Following the recent change to the practice’s contractual arrangements, and in line with these regulations, the practice is no longer able to continue providing a dispensing service.
We recognise that this change will affect patients who currently use the dispensary, although many patients registered with the practice already obtain their medicines through a community pharmacy (83% of patients). We took time to listen to the views of patients and the local community and carefully considered the feedback received. While this helped us understand the impact the change will have, it did not identify any grounds within the regulations that would allow the dispensary to continue.
Patients who currently use the dispensary will now need to nominate a pharmacy to receive their prescriptions in future. This can be done by contacting the practice or by speaking directly to a pharmacy.
You can also find details of local pharmacies using the NHS website:
https://www.nhs.uk/service-search/pharmacy/find-a-pharmacy/
Patients may choose any pharmacy that is convenient for them, including pharmacies that offer home delivery or online dispensing services. If medication delivery is required, this should be arranged directly with the chosen pharmacy.
We understand that some patients, including those with disabilities, mobility issues or other circumstances, may find it more difficult to access a community pharmacy. Support will be available to help patients make suitable arrangements, including discussing delivery options with pharmacies or considering alternative ways to receive their medication. Patients who need additional support are encouraged to contact the practice to discuss their individual circumstances.
Patients also have the right to register with a different GP practice if they wish, including a practice that provides dispensing services, subject to normal registration arrangements. Information about GP practices in your area, including whether they provide dispensing services, can be found on the NHS website:
https://www.nhs.uk/service-search/find-a-gp/
Once a pharmacy has been nominated and medication has been ordered, prescriptions will be sent automatically to the nominated pharmacy using the Electronic Prescription Service (EPS). Patients will then be able to collect their medication from the pharmacy, or arrange delivery if available.
If you have questions about nominating a pharmacy or about pharmacy services, you can speak to your chosen pharmacy or contact the practice for advice.
We are working closely with the practice and local partners to make sure patients continue to receive their medication safely and without interruption, and support will be available for anyone who needs help during the transition.
We would like to thank patients for their patience and understanding while these changes are put in place.
NHS Lincolnshire Integrated Care Board
