Pharmacy First: 7 Common Conditions Supporting the NHS and Improving Healthcare in the UK

A quick explanation if you’re asking yourself what is pharmacy first service…  

The NHS Pharmacy First scheme was introduced by the NHS England in February 2024, to enhance patient experience through more convenient and timely access to healthcare. This initiative aims to reduce waiting times and alleviate the burden on GPs, allowing them to focus on more serious and complex health issues. By enabling the trained professionals at our branches to handle minor ailments, Pharmacy First helps patients receive prompt care, leading to better health outcomes and a more efficient healthcare system.

7 Common Conditions and Symptoms

The Pharmacy First service addresses seven common conditions, for easier access to treatment without needing a GP appointment. These conditions include:

1.         Sinusitis (12 years and over): Inflammation of the sinuses, leading to headaches, facial pain, and nasal congestion.

2.         Sore Throat (5 years and over): Pain or irritation in the throat, often caused by viral infections.

3.         Earache (1 to 17 years): Pain in the ear, which can be due to infections or other underlying issues.

4.         Infected Insect Bite (1 year and over): Swelling, redness, and pain at the site of the bite, sometimes with pus or other signs of infection.

5.         Impetigo (1 year and over): A bacterial skin infection characterised by red sores that quickly rupture, ooze for a few days, and then form a yellow-brown crust.

6.         Shingles (18 years and over): A viral infection causing a painful rash, often with blisters.

7.         Uncomplicated Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) in Women (16 to 64 years): Symptoms include pain or burning during urination, frequent need to urinate, and lower abdominal pain.

Consultations for these seven clinical pathways can be provided to patients by either booking an online appointment, or walk-ins to the pharmacy as well as those referred electronically by NHS 111, general practices and others. Pharmacy+Health advises patients to book through the website to ensure that they are seen at a time that’s suitable for them, and to help branch staff manage their appointments and prepare beforehand.

Pharmacy First Service for Patients:

Pharamcy+Health – Headingley

Marios, lead pharmacist at Pharmacy+Health Headingley branch states that patients’ reactions about PFS is “They’re visibly happy because there’s communication with trained professionals, and they have a chance to sit down and ask questions – which is not always the case with doctors” he adds “ the benefit of this service is that when we assess the common condition we can prescribe antibiotics for patients’ treatment where appropriate.” Headingley branch has treated a lot of sore throat and UTI conditions so far and is keen on letting patients know that their local pharmacy is welcoming patients for any of the 7 common conditions. Marios’ message to patients “You’re more than welcome to book an appointment or come in and ask for the pharmacist .. we’re happy to help you get the treatment you need.”

Pharamcy+Health – Alwoodley

At Alwoodley, lead pharmacist Kostas is keen on the Pharmacy First Scheme “It’s really good, the service is amazing, it helps patients, it reduces workload off the doctors, and utilises the skills of the pharmacist, however, pharmacies that don’t get many referrals are going to struggle”. This has been the case showing the importance of collaboration in the healthcare sector, where GP referrals have been an important factor in driving appointments. He adds that “GP surgeries are sending a lot of referrals, so they’re happy to do that and send over the less serious conditions to their local pharmacy branch”. Kostas adds “They’re sending a lot of referrals, so they’re happy to do that”.

The course of action the pharmacy usually follows when presented with a pharmacy first appointment is “take the vitals, examine the patient, and ask all the necessary questions/ If need be, such as in the case of an infection, often with sore throats and insect bites, we’ll prescribe an antibiotic. If not needed, we’ll offer them an over-the-counter remedy. The minor ailment scheme only local to Leeds means that oftentimes OTC remedies for minor ailments are free of charge to patients.” Kostas adds “We’ll advise patients to come back  to the pharmacy in a few days to have another look and if there is no sign of improvement, we’ll refer them to the doctors.”

Pharamcy+Health – Horsforth

Horsforth’s lead Pharmacist, Salah is also eager to raise awareness in the community about Pharmacy First Service “You can just walk in or give us a call to tell us about your concerns and we’ll be happy to help”. His branch has helped many infected insect bite patients, the common course of action a patient should expect is “we’ll go through the questions .. and if they’ve got clear signs of an infection such as swollen skin, discharge, redness around the area or the area is warm to touch, I’ll check their medication history and allergies to prescribe the needed medication”.

With smiling patients leaving their Pharmacy+Health branches after having received the needed treatment and advice from Pharmacy First Service, pharmacists are eager to help as many patients as possible in their communities. Patients can book an appointment online here or simply visit their Pharmacy+Health branch.

Treatments Available Through Pharmacists:

Under the Pharmacy First scheme, pharmacists can now issue prescription-only medicines for these 7 common conditions, which may include antibiotics in certain cases (free of charge to those exempt from prescription charges). This ability to provide prescriptions allows for quick and effective management of minor ailments, ensuring that patients receive the right medication without unnecessary delays. For example, for conditions like UTIs or bacterial sinusitis, pharmacists can prescribe antibiotics after a thorough assessment.

If you’re wondering, where you can get quick treatment for sore throat, sinusitis, earache, UTIs, impressive, shingles, or insect bites … Pharmacy+Health is your destination. Our pharmacists are experienced in spotting warning signs, otherwise known as red flag symptoms, which may warrant a referral to another healthcare provider.

This service significantly enhances the accessibility and efficiency of healthcare, making it easier for patients to get the treatment they need, when they need it.

Pharmacy+Health: Accessible Pharmacy First Near You Across 28+ Locations

Pharmacy+Health is proud to offer the Pharmacy First service at more than 28 locations, ensuring that quality healthcare is readily available to our community. So if you’re searching for ‘pharmacy first Leeds’, ‘pharmacy first near me’ or ‘prescription pharmacy’, an easier way to find the information you’re looking for is by visiting our Pharmacy First Service page. From there, simply click to book an appointment and select a pharmacy near you. You can then choose a convenient time for you to be seen in-branch, in the privacy of our consultation room.