Central Appliance Prescription Services – What You Need to Know

20 January, 2026

As part of changes in how NHS services are organised, many areas in England are introducing central prescription services for medical appliances such as stoma supplies. 

These services are being developed by Integrated Care Boards (ICBs) who are the local NHS organisations responsible for planning and funding health and care services in your area. Central services are designed to make repeat prescribing more consistent, streamlined and clinically supported across GP practices and community care.  

In practice, this means that the way you place your monthly order for stoma products may change but it should not affect your choice of products or delivery company. 

What are central prescription services? 

Central prescription services – sometimes called Appliance Prescription Management Services, act as a central point for managing repeat prescriptions for appliances including stoma and bowel management products.  

These services are usually: 

• Commissioned by your local ICB 

• Managed by specialist teams, including advisers and nurses 

• Responsible for issuing and reviewing appliance prescriptions on behalf of participating GP practices 

• Designed to ensure prescriptions are clinically appropriate and correctly aligned with your needs 

For example, in some areas prescriptions for stoma and related equipment are centrally reviewed and authorised by specialist nurses before being sent to your chosen dispenser.  

How the ordering process works 

When you place your order with a central prescription service, you will typically: 

• Contact the service by phone or online to request your supplies 

• Confirm the products and quantities you need 

• Confirm your choice of delivery or dispensing company 

• Be asked a small number of questions about how you are managing your stoma and whether you have had recent contact with a stoma care nurse 

These questions are intended to make sure you are supported properly, identify any issues you might be facing, and help connect you with clinical support if you need it. 

Once your prescription is authorised, it is sent to your chosen supplier, and your products are delivered as before. 

Your choice of delivery company 

It’s important to know: 

• You have the right to choose who supplies and delivers your stoma products 

• You do not have to change your delivery company if you are happy with your current one 

• Central prescription services should ask you to confirm your nominated supplier when you place an order 

If you wish to continue using your existing provider, simply tell the central service when asked. 

What if you are asked to change supplier? 

Your right to choose your supplier is protected by the NHS Constitution. You should not feel pressured to change your delivery company if you don’t want to. If alternative providers are mentioned, you can clearly state your preference to stay with your chosen supplier, and the service should support that choice. 

Once your delivery company is confirmed: 

• Your supplies should continue to arrive at your home as usual 

• You may not need to contact your delivery company each month, depending on how your prescription is arranged 

• You should continue to receive the products that meet your clinical needs 

If you have concerns 

If you are unsure about changes to a prescription service, feel pressured to change supplier, or experience problems accessing your supplies, you can: 

• Contact the central prescription service for clarification 

• Speak to your stoma care nurse or GP 

• Seek support and advice from Colostomy UK 

FAQ – Central Prescription Services 

Q: What exactly is a central prescription service?
A: It’s a central team commissioned by local NHS bodies (ICBs) to manage repeat prescriptions for appliances such as stoma supplies on behalf of GP practices. The service reviews orders, issues prescriptions, and sends them to your preferred supplier.  

Q: Why are these services being introduced?
A: ICBs are introducing central prescription services to create a more consistent and supported way of managing repeat prescriptions, with specialist clinical oversight and improved efficiency.  

Q: Do I have to change my delivery company?
A: No. You have the right to choose which company delivers your products. If you want to continue with your current supplier, just tell the central service when you place your order. 

Q: Will I be asked any questions when I order?
A: Yes. As part of the ordering process, you may be asked a few questions to check how you are managing your stoma and whether you have recently had contact with a stoma nurse. These questions are to help make sure you get the support you need. 

Q: Who can I contact if I need help?
A: You can contact the central prescription service, your stoma care nurse or GP, or Colostomy UK for further advice and support