NHS Pharmacy First Scheme

Community pharmacies have been working incredibly hard to get ready for the launch of Pharmacy First. The service marks a stepchange for pharmacies, patients and the public, and one that we hope to build on for the future. By choosing to go to ‘Pharmacy First’ for the seven common conditions, people can get help faster, freeing up GP appointments for those who really need them. We strongly encourage the public to make full use of this service for convenient, easy access to healthcare advice, support and
appropriate treatments from expert pharmacists and their teams.

From 31st January 2024, most pharmacies (over 95% have signed up to provide the
service) can now help people with seven common conditions which would previously
have required a GP appointment.
 The conditions (and eligibility for using this service) are:

1. Sinusitis (adults and children agreed 12 years and over)
2. Sore throat (adults and children aged 5 years and over)
3. Earache (children and young adults aged 1 year to 17 years)
4. Infected insect bite (children and adults aged 1 year and over)
5. Impetigo (adults and children aged 1 year and over)
6. Shingles (adults aged 18 years and over)
7. Uncomplicated urinary tract infection (women, aged 16 to 64 years)
   
    If you have symptoms that suggest you may have one of these conditions, you can
   now walk into a pharmacy and be offered a consultation with the pharmacist.
   
    Under the new service, pharmacists can provide advice and, if clinically necessary, will
   offer an NHS medicine to treat it (NHS prescription charges apply if you normally pay
   for medicines supplied on prescription).
   
    Should the pharmacy team be unable to help, you will be directed to your GP surgery
   or A&E as appropriate.
   
    By thinking ‘Pharmacy First’, people will find it easier and quicker to get the help they
   need and bypass the 8am rush to book an appointment with their GP.