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Pharmacy First
The Pharmacy First service launched on 31 January 2024
The scheme enables community pharmacies to complete episodes of care for 7 common conditions following defined clinical pathways.
How your local pharmacy team can help you
It enables patients to get certain prescription medications, including antibiotics and antivirals where clinically appropriate, directly from a pharmacy, without a GP appointment.
This new service is expected to free up GP appointments for patients who need them most and will give people quicker and more convenient access to safe and high quality healthcare. It includes the supply of appropriate medicines for 7 common conditions including earache, sore throat, and urinary tract infections, aiming to address health issues before they get worse.
If they cannot help you themselves, they can refer you to a GP or other health professional.
| Clinical pathway | Age range |
| Acute otitis media* (ear infection) | 1 to 17 years |
| Impetigo | 1 year and over |
| Infected insect bites | 1 year and over |
| Shingles | 18 years and over |
| Sinusitis | 12 years and over |
| Sore throat | 5 years and over |
| Uncomplicated urinary tract infections | Women 16 to 64 years |
* Distance selling pharmacies will not complete consultations for acute otitis media.
How can patients access this service?
- Via referral from their GP, urgent or emergency care settings and NHS 111 (online and via telephone)
- Self-referral > Patients can simply attend or contact the pharmacy directly without the need for referral from an organisation
All eligible patients will be referred to their local Pharmacy for treatment on the day. If the pharmacist cannot help you themselves, they can refer you back to your GP or other health professional.
More information can be found on the Pharmacy First scheme here: How pharmacies can help - NHS
Published: Oct 30, 2024
