NHS England launched the Pharmacy First service on 31 January.
Under this service, community pharmacies across England will be able to provide a wider range of clinical treatments to the public. The introduction of this service is designed to help ease pressure on GP surgeries and improve patient access to care, as part of the Department of Health and Social Care’s Primary Care Access Recovery Plan.
Almost all community pharmacies in Norfolk and Waveney have signed up to deliver the Pharmacy First service, which is excellent news for patients, community pharmacies, and GP practices. By thinking ‘Pharmacy First’, people will find it easier and quicker to get the help they need.
Can I access Pharmacy First services in my local pharmacy now?
The Pharmacy First service launches on 31st January 2024, but as it is an optional service so not all pharmacies will offer it. The NHS.uk website is adding a service finder to help people locate which pharmacies are providing it near them: NHS services – NHS (www.nhs.uk)
What services are included in Pharmacy First?
Pharmacy First will mean pharmacies can be the first port of call for many patients who need healthcare advice and potentially treatment for several common health conditions without needing a GP appointment. These include:
- Sinusitis (for adults and children agreed 12 years and over)
- Sore throat (for adults and children aged 5 years and over)
- Earache (for children and young adults aged 1 year to 17 years)
- Infected insect bite (for children and adults aged 1 year and over)
- Impetigo (for adults and children aged 1 year and over)
- Shingles (for adults aged 18 years and over)
- Uncomplicated urinary tract infection (for women aged 16 to 64 years)
Following a consultation the pharmacist may decide that over-the counter treatment and/or self care advice are appropriate dependent on your symptoms. Or if clinically necessary, the pharmacist will be able to offer an NHS medicine to treat it (NHS prescription charges will apply if you normally pay for medicines supplied on prescription).
Should the pharmacy team be unable to help, then you will be directed to another healthcare professional as appropriate.