England is to take the next steps towards placing hundreds of clinical pharmacists in practices, it has been announced.

Some 700 practices are to get pharmacists, covering some six million patients, NHS England said.

The news takes England half-way to a promised target of 1,500 clinical pharmacists by 2020. It says this will be backed by £100 million worth of investment.

GP leaders say the move will help relieve pressure on doctors and other staff.

The pharmacists provide direct patient care, helping those with chronic conditions – in particular hypertension – manage their medication.

Some 490 clinical pharmacists already work in 650 practices.

The Royal College of GPs said the announcement was “excellent news”.

Chair Professor Helen Stokes-Lampard said: “This initiative is already helping to cut waiting times for patients in some areas, and free up GPs’ time for patients who really need our clinical expertise. Of course, if a patient specifically needs to see a GP, then they will still be able to request this.

“With family doctors are currently facing unprecedented resource and workforce pressures, we are grateful for the support of pharmacists who are playing an increasingly vital role within some GP practice teams.

“They should not be seen as substitutes for GPs but they are highly-skilled and well-trusted healthcare professionals who carry out important tasks such as medication reviews and managing repeat prescriptions for patients with long-term conditions.”

NHS England Director of Primary Care Dr Arvind Madan said: “The clinical pharmacist programme is a clear win-win for patients and GPs. The pilots have shown GP workload to be eased while patients have the convenience of being seen by the right professional in a more timely way.

“The expansion of the programme today is great news for everyone.”