Update on Dispensing Data Format – Temporary Support Period

To support users in transitioning to the new formatting standards introduced under ODP Best Practice and Statistical guidelines, we will be providing the April, May, and June 2025 editions of the Pharmacy and appliance contractor dispensing data as companion files alongside the newly released datasets on ODP.

Pharmacy and appliance contractor dispensing data companion files can be accessed on the NHSBSA website: https://www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/prescription-data/dispensing-data/dispensing-contractors-data.

This is a temporary measure, in place to help users familiarise themselves and adjust their systems to accommodate the new data structure.

Important: The April 2025 ODP Pharmacy and Appliance Contractor Dispensing Data has been reissued due to an error that affected the Health and Wellbeing Boards (HWB) assigned to some appliance contractors. Please ensure you are using the updated version.

Please note: The companion files do not include Practice Prescribing Dispensing, Dispensing Doctor, or PADM dispensed data. These remain available on the following pages:

• Dispensing Practices dispensing data
• Dispensing Doctor and PADM data

Publishing data on the NHSBSA Open Data Portal supports the Code of Practice for Statistics by promoting accessibility, clarity, and confident reuse. Features like clear metadata, supporting information, and version control help users understand and trust the data.

Datasets on the portal can be accessed in CSV version via the download button, filtered views may also be downloaded. Datasets are also accessible through an API (Application Programming Interface), enabling automated access to the latest data for reporting, research, and digital tools. NHSBSA offers guidance and support for those new to using the API.

We appreciate your cooperation as we improve data consistency and adhere to open data standards.