Community Pharmacy Herefordshire & Worcestershire Annual Report 2025–2026
A year of connection, neighbourhood care, and supporting our local communities
The 2025–26 year has been one of deep change and real progress for Community Pharmacy Herefordshire & Worcestershire. As the NHS moves toward neighbourhood‑based care and more integrated working, pharmacies across our area have continued to show why they remain one of the most trusted and accessible parts of local healthcare.
Standing strong through change
With shifts in the NHS 10‑Year Plan, ICB restructuring, and evolving priorities across the system, community pharmacy teams have continued to deliver care with compassion and resilience. The LPC has worked closely with partners at every level — national, regional, system and neighbourhood — to ensure pharmacy remains a key voice in shaping local health services.
Pharmacies have now been mapped to neighbourhoods and PCNs, and new INT Ambassadors have been appointed across Coventry, Warwickshire, Herefordshire and Worcestershire. Their work is helping to build stronger relationships with GPs, councils, voluntary organisations and wider NHS teams — all with the aim of supporting people earlier, closer to home, and more proactively.
Supporting contractors and strengthening community ties
Throughout the year, the LPC has focused on supporting contractors through change. This has included:
- Regular visits to pharmacies and practices
- Training sessions and new resources
- Improved patient‑facing communications and social media
- Closer collaboration with ICB communications teams
- A clearer support package for contractors new to the area
The LPC has also welcomed several new committee members and expressed heartfelt thanks to those stepping down after years of service.
A year of growing clinical services
Pharmacies across Herefordshire & Worcestershire delivered strong growth in key services:
- New Medicines Service (NMS) claims more than doubled
- Pharmacy Contraception Service initiation and continuation rose sharply
- Pharmacy First Clinical Pathways increased by 32.8%
- Hypertension Case‑Finding expanded across BP checks and ABPM
- Childhood flu vaccinations launched successfully in community pharmacy
- Smoking Cessation Advanced Service continued to support hundreds of patients each month
A new dashboard developed by incoming CEO Conor Price is already helping the LPC provide more targeted support, giving pharmacies clearer insight into their service activity and opportunities for growth.
Governance, neighbourhood health and local services
The LPC strengthened its governance processes, reviewed PNAs, and continued to support local commissioned services including palliative care stock holding, sharps disposal, substance misuse support and phlebotomy.
Neighbourhood Health continues to be a major focus, with community pharmacy recognised as a core partner in prevention, personalised care, medicines optimisation and reducing pressure on urgent care.
Financial stability during transition
CPHW ended the year with a £9,668 surplus, maintaining strong reserves and continuing to invest in neighbourhood health, contractor support, digital resources and service development. MOU funding supported training, INT work, digital projects and contractor engagement.
Leadership changes and looking ahead
This year marks the retirement of Fiona Lowe as CEO after more than a decade of dedicated service. Fiona will continue to support the LPC as Treasurer, providing stability during a period of transition.
The LPC warmly welcomes Conor Price as the new CEO — bringing strong system‑leadership experience, a data‑driven approach, and a deep commitment to neighbourhood health.
Fiona stays on for a while in a limited capacity as professional advisor and treasurer.
Looking forward
The year ahead promises even more opportunity. With stronger neighbourhood partnerships, improved data tools, and a renewed focus on prevention and personalised care, community pharmacy is well‑placed to play an even bigger role in supporting local people.
Community Pharmacy Herefordshire & Worcestershire remains committed to championing contractors, strengthening relationships across the system, and ensuring pharmacy continues to be a trusted, accessible and valued part of our communities.
You can find the full version of our Annual Report here.
CPHW LPC Meeting July 2026
Conor’s first day as incoming CEO taking over from Fiona.
