The Pharmacy First scheme in England allows patients to access treatment for seven common ailments directly from a pharmacist, reducing the strain on general practitioner (GP) appointments. Launched in January 2023, the program has trained pharmacists to provide consultations and treatment for conditions including sore throats, earaches, sinusitis, shingles, urinary tract infections (UTIs), insect bites, and impetigo. This service is available at no cost to patients for medications that previously required a GP prescription. With over 9,200 participating pharmacies, representing 88% of pharmacies in England, the scheme has already delivered nearly 1.5 million consultations, significantly easing access to primary care.
The Pharmacy First service aims to alleviate pressure on GP practices by providing an alternative route for patients seeking treatment for common conditions. Projections indicate that the scheme could free up an additional million GP appointments by April 2025, with the NHS aiming for 6 million consultations annually through Pharmacy First. This translates to a potential reduction of 9 million GP appointments every year. However, the Company Chemist’s Association (CCA) believes this impact could be amplified significantly. They suggest that by expanding the range of conditions covered by Pharmacy First and increasing public awareness, the service could free up to 40 million GP appointments annually, a substantial relief for the strained primary care system.
Accessing Pharmacy First is straightforward. Patients can visit their local pharmacy directly, without the need for an appointment in most cases, or they can opt for an online consultation. Furthermore, GPs, NHS 111, and some A&E departments can refer patients to a pharmacy of their choice. This convenient access point allows individuals to receive timely care for minor ailments without the delays often associated with securing a GP appointment.
The range of conditions covered by Pharmacy First caters to various age groups and common health concerns. For instance, sore throats, which are typically viral but can also be bacterial or allergy-related, can be assessed and treated by pharmacists for patients aged five and older. Earaches, a frequent complaint in children, are addressed by pharmacists for those aged one to 17. Sinusitis, an inflammation of the sinuses often caused by infections or allergies, is managed by pharmacists for patients aged 12 and above.
Shingles, a painful rash caused by a viral infection, can be assessed through Pharmacy First for individuals aged 18 and over, although consulting NHS 111 is recommended as the first step. UTIs, common bacterial infections of the urinary tract, can be treated by pharmacists for uncomplicated cases in patients aged 16 to 64. Infected insect bites, a common summer ailment but also possible during winter, can be treated for anyone over the age of one. Finally, impetigo, a contagious skin infection often affecting young children, is also covered by the scheme.
The utilization of Pharmacy First has demonstrated a seasonal pattern, with consultations for sore throats and earaches peaking during the winter months. UTIs represent the most frequent reason for consultations, accounting for 30% of all cases, followed by sore throats at 28%. Insect bites, ear infections, sinusitis, impetigo, and shingles comprise the remaining consultations, reflecting the prevalence of these conditions and the accessibility of care provided by Pharmacy First.
The success of Pharmacy First is evident in its rapid uptake and the significant number of consultations provided. It provides a valuable alternative access point to primary care, reducing pressure on GP services and enabling patients to receive timely treatment for common ailments. The CCA advocates for expanding the scope of Pharmacy First to include a wider range of conditions, highlighting the potential to further alleviate GP workload and improve access to primary care services for patients across England. This expansion, coupled with increased public awareness of the scheme, could significantly enhance the effectiveness of Pharmacy First in delivering timely and accessible healthcare.
