STW 5 Year Strategic Commissioning Plan 2026 – 2031 FINAL
Shropshire and Telford & Wrekin ICB has published it’s 5 Year Strategic Commissioning Plan for 2026 – 2031. STW_5 Year Strategic Commissioning Plan 1-4-2026 FINAL
The plan sets out how NHS Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin (STW) will transform health and care over the next five years by shifting care closer to home, strengthening prevention, modernising through digital innovation, reducing inequalities, and ensuring financial sustainability. It also prepares for a full merger with Staffordshire & Stoke‑on‑Trent ICB in 2027.
Below summarises the main points relevant to pharmacy teams.
1. More Clinical Services in Pharmacy
The NHS wants more people to get help for minor illnesses and long‑term conditions in community pharmacies.
You will see:
- Continued expansion of Pharmacy First
- More pathways for hypertension, respiratory care and CVD prevention
- Greater involvement in frailty, falls prevention and medicines support after hospital discharge
- Opportunities to support virtual wards and urgent community response
What this means for you:
More clinical activity, more use of your professional skills, and more visibility as a first‑contact healthcare provider.
2. Better Digital Connections
Digital transformation is a major part of the plan.
For pharmacy this includes:
- Access to the Shared Care Record
- Improved digital referrals between GPs, hospitals and pharmacies
- Better information sharing to support safer, more joined‑up care
- Digital tools that help direct patients to the right place — including pharmacy
What this means for you:
Smoother communication, fewer delays, and better information when supporting patients.
3. A Bigger Role in Prevention
The NHS wants to shift from treating illness to preventing it.
Pharmacies will play a key role in:
- Blood pressure checks
- Smoking cessation
- Vaccinations and screening support
- Reaching people in communities who may not regularly see a GP
What this means for you:
More opportunities to help people stay well and reduce health inequalities.
4. Stronger Links with Local Neighbourhood Teams
Every area will have an Integrated Neighbourhood Team (INT) bringing together GPs, community services, mental health, social care and the voluntary sector.
Pharmacy will be:
- A core member of these teams
- Involved in local planning and decision‑making
- Helping shape services based on local needs
What this means for you:
Better joined‑up care for patients and a stronger voice for pharmacy locally.
5. Medicines Optimisation & Safety
The plan highlights the importance of safe, effective use of medicines.
Pharmacies will support:
- People with multiple long‑term conditions
- Polypharmacy and deprescribing work
- Safer transitions between hospital and home
- Reducing medicines waste
What this means for you:
More collaboration with NHS medicines teams and more recognition of pharmacy’s expertise.
6. Workforce Support
The NHS wants to support the pharmacy workforce through:
- Leadership development
- Advanced practice opportunities
- Better use of pharmacy technicians
- Cross‑sector working with hospitals and PCNs
What this means for you:
More training and development opportunities for your team.
In Summary
Community pharmacy is central to the NHS’s plans for the next five years.
You can expect:
- More clinical services
- Better digital tools
- Stronger links with local teams
- A bigger role in prevention
- More support for workforce development
- Pharmacies will play a major role in improving access, reducing pressure on GPs and hospitals, and helping people stay healthy in their own communities.
