Healthy Living Pharmacy – NHS Services Overview:
The Healthy Living Pharmacy (HLP) framework is an NHS initiative designed to improve the health and wellbeing of local communities through proactive pharmacy-based support.
As part of this service, trained pharmacy teams provide accessible advice and interventions on public health priorities such as smoking cessation, healthy eating, alcohol reduction, weight management, and sexual health. HLPs are committed to creating a health-promoting environment, often supported by a dedicated Health Champion, and aim to empower individuals to take control of their own health.
By integrating health promotion into daily pharmacy practice, HLPs play a vital role in reducing health inequalities and supporting the NHS Long Term Plan.
Pharmacies accredited as HLPs offer a range of NHS and locally commissioned services designed to prevent illness, promote healthier lifestyles, and reduce health inequalities.
These may include:
- Smoking Cessation Services, including behavioural support and nicotine replacement therapy
- Weight Management Programmes offering lifestyle and dietary advice
- NHS Blood Pressure Checks for early detection of hypertension
- Alcohol Brief Interventions to reduce risky drinking behaviour
- Emergency Hormonal Contraception (EHC) and sexual health support
- Chlamydia screening and treatment for eligible age groups
- NHS Flu Vaccinations and, in some cases, COVID-19 vaccinations
- Health Checks and risk assessments, including diabetes and cardiovascular risk
HLPs also have a trained Health Champion who engages with patients, promotes national health campaigns, and helps to signpost individuals to wider services within the NHS and local community.
This integrated and preventive approach makes HLPs a crucial part of the primary care network, supporting the delivery of the NHS Long Term Plan and improving health outcomes at a local level.
