Do you know where to send patients if they need free lateral flow device tests

Community pharmacies started to provide lateral flow device tests (LFDs) after the central service via gov.uk or NHS 199 stopped in November 2023. In North East London 248 pharmacies are signed up to provide LFDs and it’s important that you know where to send patients to minimise the need for you to write prescriptions, especially as we approach the winter season where patients are more vulnerable.

If you know of patients who are entitled to free LFDs please make sure they have their NHS letter to confirm eligibility as this means they can obtain free LFDs on a walk-in basis from any participating pharmacy.

Patients can find pharmacies on the NHS.UK site

Please help us ensure that patients are protected and getting the right care at the right place as this relieves pressure across the system.