Cost and number of items prescribed through general practices and dispensed in the community by year, drug, chemical, BNF chapter, section and sub-paragraph

Next update expected:2027

Updates

• 16th July 2026: Dataset first published.

Main information

• Designation: Official statistics
• Data provider: NHS Wales Shared Services Partnership
• Data source: Pharmacy and Dispensing Systems
• Time period covered: April 2001 to March 2026
• Dataset ID: 85b92a5d-1806-4ff8-8b82-af33262b4416

Overview

• Summary of dataset and variables:

  This dataset is based on items prescribed by any Welsh general practice staff member, qualified to prescribe, 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. Net ingredient cost, measured in pounds sterling, is the underlying cost of the item, before any additional fees (for example, dispensing fees to pharmacies) or discounts (NHS clawbacks) are applied.

  Items prescribed through general practices counts the items prescribed by any Welsh general practice staff member, qualified to prescribe, which are subsequently dispensed in the community in the UK. This is the primary measure of prescribing in Wales because this data shows what is being prescribed to people registered with Welsh general practices and this activity is monitored and influenced by health board policy.

  Items dispensed in the community counts items prescribed anywhere in the UK, which are subsequently dispensed in the community in Wales. This measure should be used when users are interested only in the items actually dispensed in Wales, and if direct comparisons are being made between different UK countries.

  Descriptions of drug and chemical are English only.

• 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 and quality report for detailed notes, background and definitions.

• Related reports:
  • Statistical Release: Primary care prescriptions
  • Quality Report

Published by

• Organisation: Welsh Government
• Contact email: stats.healthinfo@gov.wales