Pharmacy First consultations up by 60% as winter illnesses bite
The service – introduced last January in the majority of community pharmacies – enables pharmacists to supply prescription-only medicines, including antibiotics and antivirals where clinically appropriate, to treat seven common health conditions without the need for patients to get a GP appointment or prescription.
Figures issued by NHS England this week show that over 7,200 people in Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes had a Pharmacy First consultation in December 2024, up from 4,500 in October.
The conditions covered by the Pharmacy First scheme are:
• sinusitis;
• sore throat;
• earache;
• infected insect bites;
• impetigo;
• shingles;
• uncomplicated urinary tract infections (in women aged 65 and under).
How is your pharmacy doing?
We have seen a sharp increase in residents contacting us about their experiences of using their local pharmacy. Are you struggling to get your prescription medication? Are you able to access the services you need? Are staff helpful?
Tell us your experiences in the Pharmacy Needs survey
