Dozens of practices are to get clinical pharmacists as the programme is extended to cover most of England, it has been announced.

NHS England approved funding some 160 extra pharmacists, bringing the planned total to more than 1,100.

These will be deployed in more than 3,200 practices caring for nearly 34 million people. They represent 40% of surgeries.

Practices have until January 19th to apply for the next wave of the scheme.

NHS England director of primary care Dr Arvind Madan said: “The clinical pharmacist programme has proven to be a hugely popular with practices, patients and pharmacists themselves.

“Clinical pharmacists have a wealth of knowledge and skills to offer great patient care, in a more convenient way and are also taking some of the pressure off GPs, particularly at this time of year when we know demand is even greater than usual.”