Mean and median cost per item prescribed through general practices

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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 2001 to March 2025

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. Only items which are dispensed are counted. 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. Mean cost per item is calculated by dividing the net ingredient cost for all items prescribed in the financial year by the number of items prescribed in the financial year. Median cost per item, refers to middle value of the cost per item prescribed in the March of each year only. Data for a single month is used to calculate the median for practical purposes given the volume of prescription items issued. The median may vary for other months during the year. A relatively low number of high cost items prescribed will have a greater impact on the mean than the median. The median measure is likely to be a better reflection of the cost of the most commonly prescribed items.

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