The new Pharmacy First scheme explained

In January 2024, pharmacies across England began to provide additional services to allow patients with one of seven common conditions to access advice and treatment, if necessary, via their local pharmacy without needing to book a GP appointment, this service is called Pharmacy First. 

By encouraging people to think ‘pharmacy first’ when seeking advice or treatment for minor conditions, patients will be able to access care more quickly and easily without needing to book an appointment with their GP. Additionally, the Department for Health and Social Care and NHS England hope this will take pressure off of other healthcare providers in order to improve the service for all.

The service is available to patients who think they have one of the seven common conditions which currently are: 

• Sinusitis – for children and adults aged 12 years and over;
• Sore throat – for children and adults aged 5 years and over;
• Earache (Acute otitis media) – for children aged 1 to 17 years;
• Infected insect bites – for children and adults aged 1 year and over;
• Impetigo – for children and adults aged 1 year and over;
• Shingles – for adults aged 18 years and over; and
• Uncomplicated urinary tract infections – in women aged 16 to 64 years.

It is hoped that in the future the service will be opened up to include a wider range of minor conditions, but currently if a patient thinks that the ailment they have is not included they can still seek advice from one of our members of staff as usual.

This service can be accessed upon request when in the pharmacy, or alternatively you can book online in advance using the link below. In order to determine the nature of the condition, the patient will have a private consultation with a pharmacist, who will be able to tell them what treatment options are available. This may include over-the-counter medicines that the patient can purchase, or NHS medicines available on prescription, which can include antibiotics in certain cases. Unless exempt, patients will need to pay the standard prescription charge for medication they receive via this service. If we are unable to help, the pharmacist will refer the patient on to their GP or A&E as appropriate.

If you are eligible for the Pharmacy First service, you can use the link below to book an appointment with a pharmacist.

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