Prescription items and costs by measure (general practice prescriptions, and items dispensed in the community) by BNF chapter

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Next update expected:September 2026

Updates

6th October 2025
30th September 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

'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. 'Items prescribed by GPs' 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

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

Published by

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