Pharmacy First, launched in early 2024, allows communiti pharmacies to complete episodes of care for seven common conditions: 'but will Pharmacy First help my practice?' is a question which is going to be asked a great deal in the coming months. Doctors in general practice have been able to refer patients to community pharmacy for a minor illness, or an urgent repeat medicine, since October 2019. The Pharmacy First service now aims to free-up GP appointments for those who need them most, giving patients quicker and more convenient access to safe, quality healthcare.
This is a question a lot of patients will be asking. The answer is almost certainly ‘yes’, as most pharmacies have agreed in principle to deliver the new service.
However, a pharmacy may need to train staff, upgrade IT and install a private consultation room before launching, so GP staff will need to be aware of the situation locally which may be different from branch to branch of the same pharmacy in the early stages.
Patients may, quite rightly, have concerns about the safety of the scheme but pharmacists all train for five years in the use of medicines and managing minor illnesses.
Looking out for warning signs, known as ‘red flag symptoms’, is also an area they have experience in and they will be able to referral to another healthcare provider if necessary.
The NHS is running a ‘Think pharmacy first’ publicity campaign to raise awareness, including this video. There is no clear data available yet as to how successful the scheme has been.
Results will need to be measured in terms of take-up and value for money to give the fullest confidence that Pharmacy First, or a development of it, should be a long-term strategy for taking pressure off GPs.
Video consultations, heralded as a way to take pressure off surgery appointments, have yet to prove their full worth so the question ‘will Pharmacy First help my practice?’ isn’t one which will go away quickly.
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