An evaluation led by NHS Arden & GEM has been published in the latest edition of the PM Healthcare Journal, highlighting how community pharmacies can play a valuable role in supporting people newly prescribed antidepressant medication.
Featured in the Summer 2026 issue of the journal, the article, “Feasibility and acceptability of including depression in the community pharmacy NHS New Medicine Service: a pilot study”, presents the findings of an independent evaluation commissioned by NHS England and carried out by NHS Arden & GEM.
The paper was authored by Rebecca Gossage-Worrall and Cassie Conway from NHS Arden & GEM, alongside NHS England colleagues Hammaad Patel, Jonnie Dance and Ghulam Haydar.
The study evaluated a national pilot that explored whether community pharmacists could provide structured support to adults newly prescribed antidepressants for depression through an expanded NHS New Medicine Service (NMS). The evaluation assessed the feasibility, safety and acceptability of the service for patients, pharmacists and wider primary care stakeholders.
Drawing on patient interviews, surveys and service activity data, the evaluation found that patients highly valued the additional support offered by community pharmacists, particularly the opportunity to have a healthcare professional “check in” with them during the early stages of treatment. Many participants described their pharmacist as approachable, accessible and easy to talk to, helping them feel more comfortable discussing their medication, concerns and any side effects they were experiencing. Patients also valued the continuity of support and welcomed the chance to build a trusted relationship with a healthcare professional in their local community. Community pharmacists reported increased confidence following training and generally viewed the service as beneficial for patients, while no evidence of patient harm was identified.
Importantly, the findings helped inform NHS England’s decision to include selected medicines prescribed for depression within the NHS New Medicine Service from October 2025. The change represented the first inclusion of a mental health condition in the service, giving people newly prescribed antidepressants access to structured follow-up support from their community pharmacist during a critical stage of treatment.
The publication demonstrates the impact that robust evaluation and evidence generation can have on shaping national policy and service development. It also highlights NHS Arden & GEM’s expertise in designing and delivering high-quality evaluations that support innovation across health and care systems.
The article appears on page 28 of the latest PM Healthcare Journal and is part of a wider issue exploring developments in pharmacy practice, mental health and workforce improvement.
Read the full article on the PM Healthcare website: https://www.pmhealthcare.co.uk/journals/