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Explore the Benefits of NHS Pharmacy First Services in The UK – A Comprehensive Guide

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Explore the Benefits of NHS Pharmacy First Services in The UK – A Comprehensive Guide

20 / Feb

NHS England has introduced a new service called Pharmacy First to help with the growing pressures on healthcare. Now, patients can get treatment for seven common health issues from a pharmacy, without visiting a doctor or GP first.

Understanding Pharmacy First Service

The Pharmacy First Service is an initiative designed to make healthcare more accessible and efficient for the public. It allows patients to consult with community pharmacists for minor illnesses or conditions without the need for a GP appointment. Pharmacists, using their professional judgement, can provide advice, treatment, or refer the patient to a GP if necessary.

NHS England expected to save up to 10 million GPappointments per year and help patients with easy access to treatment by simply walking into the pharmacy or contacting them virtually. To date, over 10,000 pharmacies in England have already signed up for the service.

People can easily get pharmacy care for quick help, including medicines like antibiotics for certain conditions. Pharmacists know how to review your health background, check your condition, and provide treatment. If your health issue is more complicated, the pharmacist will point you to the right place for further help.

Pharmacy first service will enable patients to get convenient clinical advice, close to where they live, work or  shop. 

What are the Seven Common Conditions?

You can now get assessment and treatment for 7 common conditions from your pharmacy without needing to contact the surgery first. Certain age restrictions apply.

Medical Problems Age Range
Sore throat 5 years and over
Urinary Tract Infections (UTI) Women 16-64 years
Ear ache/pain (Acute Otitis Media) 1 to 17 years
Infected insect bites 1 year and over
Impetigo 1 year and over
Shingles 18 years and over
Sinusitis 12 years and over

How Does The Pharmacy First Scheme Work?

If you are suffering from any of the 7 common illnesses listed, you can reach Pharmacy First in two ways:

  1. You can get yourself checked at your local pharmacy, where you can have a private consultation with a pharmacist and get medication without going to a GP for a prescription. 
  2. Your GP or healthcare provider can refer you to a participating pharmacy.

In your initial consultation, the pharmacist will ask you questions concerning your illness and recommend the best course of action for each patient, which includes  prescriptions for antibiotics or antivirals where necessary.                      

What are the Benefits of NHS Pharmacy First Scheme?

According to the PNSC 2023 pharmacy pressures survey, the demand for walk-in healthcare advice has increased compared to 2022. The survey found that 92% of pharmacy staff have noticed a big increase in requests from patients having difficulty accessing GP services. 

The Pharmacy First service in the UK offers several benefits to both the healthcare system and the public:

Improved Access to Healthcare: It provides patients with quicker access to treatment for minor ailments without the need for a GP appointment, making healthcare more readily accessible.

Reduced Pressure on the NHS: By handling minor conditions, pharmacists can alleviate the workload on GP surgeries and A&E departments, helping the NHS to focus resources on more serious health issues.

Convenience: Community pharmacies are often open longer hours than GP practices, including weekends and evenings, offering greater flexibility for people seeking advice and treatment.

Expert Advice: Pharmacists are highly trained in the use of medicines and can offer expert advice on the treatment of minor conditions, as well as provide health and wellness guidance.

Prompt Treatment: Patients can receive immediate treatment for minor ailments, reducing the duration of illness and improving overall quality of life.

Role of Pharmacy First and NHS Waiting Times

This scheme aims to free up 10 million GP appointments annually, thus reducing waiting times for more complex conditions. It is envisioned to make healthcare easier for millions of people, and provide timely and effective care for minor illnesses. 

Most people in England can easily reach a pharmacy within a 20-minute walk, as well as  more pharmacies in deprived communities, making it quicker and easier for people to get care.

Will I have to Pay for My Prescription or Medicine? 

If you are exempt from paying prescription charges the service will be free, unless any over-the-counter medicines are recommended. If you usually pay for prescriptions and need any medicines that are available under the scheme, a prescription charge will be applied. 

What If I Still Want to See My GP?

You can still see your doctor if you want. Pharmacy First gives an easy way to get help for seven health conditions, and we suggest using this service to get advice from the skilled staff at your local pharmacy, such as The Care Pharmacy in Bradford and Leeds. 

How Do I Know if My Nearby Pharmacy Offers this Service?

Over 10,000 pharmacies, which is more than 95% of all pharmacies in England, are now part of Pharmacy First Service.

Important Information to Consider

While accessing the Pharmacy First Scheme, you must provide the following information to your pharmacist: 

  1. If you are pregnant/breastfeeding
  2. If you think you might be pregnant
  3. Your health history 
  4. Medications you are already taking
  5. Any allergies you have 

Key Takeaways

Pharmacy First is a significant step towards lowering the pressure on the NHS and GPs, making healthcare more accessible to the public. It also lets local pharmacies and pharmacists take care of patients more, changing how healthcare is given and making sure people get the help they need quickly for common health issues. 

FAQs

  1. Is Pharmacy First available in England?

Yes, Pharmacy First scheme is now available in England. On January 31, 2024, the government and NHS England started the Pharmacy First program. It helps patients get fast and easy care, and it also helps reduce the pressure on GP services.

  1. How can I get Pharmacy First services online?

You can access Pharmacy First services at The Care Pharmacy online. You can get prescription-only medicine free of cost under the NHS. You can also book an online consultation with the pharmacists for six clinical pathways excluding otitis media because that needs a physical examination. 

  1. Is there any charge for Pharmacy First service or medication?

You can see a pharmacist and get advice for free. But if you get NHS medicines from them, you might have to pay a charge for each item unless you’re exempt from paying for prescriptions.

  1. What is a pharmacy first approach?

You can get advice, treatments, and medicines for 7 common illnesses directly from your local pharmacy through the Pharmacy First scheme  without having to go to GP. 

  1. Can I refer myself for pharmacy first scheme?

Self-referral is possible for the seven conditions covered by the clinical pathways – acute otitis media, impetigo, infected insect bites, shingles, sinusitis, sore throat and uncomplicated urinary tract infection.

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