The single NHS identity was introduced in England in 1999 to signpost people to NHS organisations and services and to help them identify information which has come from an official NHS source. The NHS logo is now instantly recognised and its application directly affects how patients and the public think and feel about the NHS.

In 2004, the Department of Health issued guidance on how pharmacies could use the logo and since then contractors have been encouraged to make appropriate use of the NHS identity in line with the guidance.

In January 2017 NHS England updated the guidelines on the use of the NHS Identity, including revised guidance for all primary care contractors who are commissioned under a primary care contract. Where pharmacy contractors choose to use the NHS identity, they must ensure that the revised guidance is adhered to when producing, updating or replacing designs; the same guidance also applies to general practices, optometrists and dental practices.

PSNC Briefing 010/17: Updated NHS Identity Guidelines – NHS logo use by pharmacies

If you have queries on this PSNC Briefing or you require more information please contact Zainab Al-Kharsan, Service Development Pharmacist.

To browse other PSNC Briefings on Contract and IT, click here.