Terms

Terms of use

NearShelf is a pilot. These terms keep it safe, legal and useful for everyone.

Not for emergencies or medical advice

NearShelf shows what pharmacies report about their stock. It isn't a medical device and doesn't give medical advice. In an emergency call 999; for urgent advice, NHS 111.

What NearShelf is, and isn't

NearShelf helps pharmacies see where a medicine is available, so a patient's prescription can be dispensed by a pharmacy that has it. It is not a marketplace: there are no sales, orders, payments or transfers of medicines between businesses through NearShelf, and you must not use it to arrange them.

For pharmacy staff

  • Only registered pharmacy professionals may hold an account, using their own GPhC number.
  • Keep stock levels honest and up to date; re-confirm or change them when they change.
  • Never enter patient information: no names, NHS numbers, dates of birth, addresses or phone numbers, in any field or message.
  • A “held” item is a courtesy, not a contract: always confirm with the other pharmacy before sending a patient.
  • You remain responsible for dispensing decisions and for complying with your professional and legal obligations.

For patients

Availability shown on NearShelf may have changed. Always call the pharmacy before you travel. Your prescription still needs to be sent to, or released for, that pharmacy by your GP surgery or current pharmacy.

Accounts and access

We may suspend accounts that break these terms, misuse the service, or whose registration can't be verified. Pharmacy managers and NearShelf admins approve who can join each pharmacy.

The pilot

NearShelf is provided free during the pilot, as it is, while we improve it. We work hard to keep it available and accurate but can't guarantee either. We may change these terms; we'll tell pharmacies about significant changes.