NHS Pharmacy First advanced service
NHS Pharmacy First advanced service
The new NHS Pharmacy First advanced service launched on 31 January 2024,
The new Pharmacy First Service will enable community pharmacists to complete episodes of care for patients without the need for the patient to visit their general practice. This, alongside expansions to the pharmacy blood pressure checking and contraception services, will save up to 10 million general practice team appointments a year and help patients access quicker and more convenient care, including the supply of appropriate medicines for minor illness.
As part of the new Pharmacy First service, as outlined in the Delivery Plan for Recovering Access to Primary Care, the ‘NHS Community Pharmacist Minor Illness Service’ within Local Services will be replaced with a new ‘Pharmacy First’ referral option from 31st January 2024.
As part of this change, the service is being expanded to include seven new clinical pathways (listed below). Patients suffering with any of these conditions can be treated with an appropriate antibiotic/antiviral medicine at participating community pharmacies.
- Uncomplicated Urinary Tract Infection
- Shingles
- Acute Otitis Media
- Acute Sinusitis
- Infected insect bites
- Impetigo
- Acute Sore Throat
Participating Pharmacies: CLICK HERE
