New Pharmacy First Scheme Makes Getting Help for Common Conditions Easier

New Pharmacy First Scheme Makes Getting Help for Common Conditions Easier

Great news for those seeking quick and convenient healthcare! NHS England launched the Pharmacy First scheme, allowing patients to receive assistance from their local pharmacist for seven common conditions. This builds upon existing pharmacy consultation services, further expanding the support available at your local pharmacy.

What can pharmacists help with?

Pharmacists can now help you manage seven specific conditions following established clinical pathways. These conditions include:

• Acute otitis media (earache) in children aged 1 to 17
• Impetigo (skin infection) for those aged 1 year and over
• Infected insect bites for people 1 year and older
• Shingles in adults 18 and over
• Sinusitis for those aged 12 and upwards
• Sore throat for individuals 5 years old and over
• Uncomplicated urinary tract infections in women aged 16 to 64

Benefits of Pharmacy First:

• Faster access to care: No need to wait for a GP appointment, receive treatment for these conditions directly from your pharmacist.
• Convenience: Get help closer to home, saving you time and travel.
• Frees up GP appointments: By managing these common conditions, pharmacies allow GPs to focus on more complex cases.

How does it work?

• You can be referred by your GP, urgent care settings, or NHS 111.
• OR for these specific seven conditions, you can walk-in or contact your pharmacy directly without a referral.
• Pharmacists have private consultation rooms to discuss your condition.
• If appropriate, pharmacists can provide prescription-only medication, eliminating the need for a separate GP visit.
• After your consultation, the pharmacy will update your GP with a notification.

Quality and Safety:

NHS England assures patients that the "clinical pathways" pharmacists follow were developed by experts, including GPs, pharmacists, and specialists. These pathways ensure care aligns with what you would receive at a GP practice and follows the latest national guidelines.

Overall, the Pharmacy First scheme is a positive step towards making healthcare more accessible and efficient. By empowering pharmacists to manage common conditions, patients can receive quicker treatment while freeing up valuable GP resources.