What can the Pharmacy First scheme do for me?
The NHS has launched a major transformation to try and make it easier for patients to access the care they need.
What is Pharmacy First?
Patients across England can now get prescription-only treatment for seven common conditions at their local high street pharmacy, without needing to see a GP.
What conditions can be treated at my pharmacy?
Your local pharmacy can now supply prescription-only treatment, if they believe you need it, for the following conditions:
- Sinusitis (for patients aged 12 years and over only)
- Sore throat (aged 5+)
- Earache (aged 1 year-17)
- Infected insect bite (aged 1 year+)
- Impetigo (aged 18 years+)
- Shingles (aged 18 years+)
- Uncomplicated urinary tract infections (women aged 16 to 64)
How does it work?
If you are feeling unwell with any of these conditions, you can go to your local participating pharmacy and ask for a private consultation with the pharmacist.
You may also be referred by a GP practice if they don’t have any appointments and believe your pharmacy can help. The 111 helpline service may also refer you. Pharmacists can also offer this service on-the-spot if you go in asking generally for help.
Pharmacists may offer a virtual consultation by phone or video call, or in person in a private room in the pharmacy. They will ask questions, maybe examine you, and must get your consent to access your medical records. The pharmacist will be able to recommend the best course of action, which might mean prescribing antibiotics or antivirals, or telling you about any over-the-counter treatments that could help.
What are the benefits of the scheme?
It is hoped that the change will help to make care easier and more accessible.
- Pharmacies taking part must offer the service during all their opening hours including any late nights or weekends.
- It may be quicker to see your pharmacist than waiting for an appointment with your GP.
- Pharmacy First – along with expanded Blood Pressure Check and Oral Contraception services at pharmacies – could free up to 10 million GP appointments a year.
Will I have to pay for my advice or medication?
The appointment and advice from a pharmacist are free to access.
If you are recommended an over-the-counter medication, you will pay the costs of buying this.
If you are supplied with a prescription-only medication, usual prescription charges would apply unless you qualify for free prescriptions.
If you regularly require medication and are not exempt from prescription charges, you may be able to save money through a prescription prepayment certificate (PPC). Find out what help you can get to pay for your prescriptions.
How do I know if my local pharmacy is participating?
Most pharmacies have agreed to deliver the new service but may start at different times, from 31 January 2024. They may need to train staff, upgrade IT and create a private consultation room.
Can I get oral contraception without a prescription?
From December 2023, some pharmacies will be able to start women on oral contraception (also known as ‘the Pill') for the first time, or re-start them after a break, without the person needing to see their GP first. This is an extension of the existing oral contraception service that let women go to pharmacies for repeat prescriptions, that had been started by a GP.
The pharmacist will offer a private consultation to talk through your current medication and make sure it's right for you.
Oral contraception is free on the NHS, and you won't need to pay anything.
To find a local pharmacy offering this service – check out the NHS website.
Can I still see my GP?
You can still choose to visit your GP if you prefer. Pharmacy First simply offers a different way of getting treatment for certain conditions.
What's your experience of using your local pharmacy?
Have you had to visit your pharmacy for a health issue recently? Did you have a good experience? Or could you not get the treatment, medicines or help that you needed? Tell us about your experience - it only takes 5/10 minutes and we share your feedback with local services and our Integrated Care Board (ICB) to help them improve.
Image credit: Polina Tankilevitch, Pexels
