Items prescribed by all primary care practitioners
Next update expected:September 2026
Updates
- 2nd October 2025
- Dataset first published.
Main information
- Designation
- Official statistics
- Data provider
- NHS Wales Shared Services Partnership
- Data source
- Prescribing Services
- Time period covered
- April 2023 to March 2025
Overview
- Summary of dataset and variables
This dataset is based on items prescribed by qualified practitioners, in a community setting in Wales, which are subsequently dispensed in the community in the UK. 'Items’ refer to each different medicine or appliance listed on a prescription regardless of quantity or volume. Only items which are dispensed are counted. Data is categorised by the prescriber type. 'Regular' General practices are in a General Medical Services (GMS) contract with a health board. Dental practices, pharmacies and optometry practices are also primary care contractors, with some staff who are able to independently prescribe, without needing to refer a patient to a GP or hospital. Welsh Ambulances Services Trust is not a primary care contractor, but qualified paramedics can prescribe items which are then subsequently dispensed in the community. All of these settings are issued a 'W code' by health boards so that they can prescribe. A number of other settings are also allocated W codes, which allow qualified staff to prescribe items which are subsequently dispensed in the community. These settings include specialist incontinence services, prisons, courts, police stations and out of hours GP settings.
- Data collection or calculation
Prescriptions data are obtained from Prescribing Services, NHS Wales Shared Services Partnership and are based on information on prescription forms sent by the prescriber for payment.
- Statistical quality
See associated Statistical Release for detailed notes, background and definitions.
- Related reports
Published by
- Organisation
- Welsh Government
- Contact email
- stats.healthinfo@gov.wales