What is Pharmacy First?
People can now go straight to a chemist for help with seven common problems like sore throats and earaches instead of waiting for a GP appointment. This is part of the Pharmacy First scheme in England, where pharmacists can check you out and prescribe antibiotics if needed. The goal is to make it easier to get care and free up lots of GP appointments. Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland already have similar services.
This is a landmark move to bolster healthcare accessibility and streamline patient services in England and will change the way people access primary healthcare services.
Pharmacists can now help with:
- Sore throat
- Earache
- Sinusitis
- Impetigo
- Shingles
- Infected insect bites
- Simple urinary tract infections in women
How to Access Pharmacy First?
You can just walk into a chemist for this, or be sent there by NHS 111, urgent care or your GP. Even if you don’t have a GP, you can use this service. Or even better yet use the Pharmazen Pre consult to start your Pharmacy First consultation and book either a face-to-face appointment or video consultation with a pharmacy of your choice.
If the pharmacist finds one of these seven issues, they can give you medicine right there. If you need more specialized care, they’ll send you to the right place.
What happens in a Pharmacy First Consultation?
At a Pharmacy First consultation, the pharmacist will ask about your symptoms and might check your medical history. They might also examine you, like looking in your ear if it hurts. They’ll suggest the best action, which could be an over-the-counter treatment, some prescription medicines, such as appropriate antibiotics, or just advice.
There’s a careful plan for giving out medicines, especially antibiotics, to avoid overuse. NHS England is keeping an eye on this to make sure antibiotics stay effective.
Where is Pharmacy First Available?
This service is now available in pharmacies across England. Similar schemes such as Pharmacy First are already in use in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. More than 90% of chemists in England are set up for the Pharmacy First service. NHS England’s boss says this is great for patients, giving more choices and easier access to care.
Pharmacy First, Supporting the NHS
One of the primary objectives of the Pharmacy First Scheme is to alleviate the strain on the NHS by diverting non-urgent cases away from already overwhelmed GP practices and hospitals. By harnessing the expertise of community pharmacists, the scheme enables more efficient use of healthcare resources, ensuring that patients receive prompt attention for minor ailments, leaving the NHS better equipped to handle more serious and complex cases.
When will Pharmacy First begin?
Your local pharmacy will begin to offer the scheme from the 1st of February 2024.
Benefits to Patients
The introduction of the Pharmacy First Service at Your local community pharmacy heralds a new era of convenience and accessibility for patients in England. No longer will individuals have to endure lengthy waits for routine ailments or minor health concerns. The service empowers patients to seek professional advice and treatment promptly, often without the need for an appointment.
Patients stand to benefit from the extended opening hours of community pharmacies, allowing them to receive care at times that suit their schedules. Additionally, the Pharmacy First Service places a strong emphasis on patient education, ensuring that individuals are well-informed about their conditions and the appropriate steps to take for optimal recovery.
Furthermore, the Pharmacy First Service at your local community pharmacy offers a seamless integration of services, allowing patients to receive medication and treatment all under one roof. This holistic approach to healthcare ensures a more streamlined and patient-centric experience.
Pharmacy First Summary
Pharmacy First is revolutionizing the approach to treating common health conditions in England. It offers an accessible, convenient, and patient-focused solution, bridging the gap between primary healthcare needs and busy lifestyles. By enabling local community pharmacies to provide immediate care, Pharmacy First is setting a new standard in healthcare accessibility and efficiency.
