What Is NHS Pharmacy First? A Complete Guide

Pharmacy First is an NHS service that allows patients to visit a community pharmacy for assessment and treatment of common conditions. In many cases, pharmacists can supply prescription-only medicines, including antibiotics where clinically appropriate.

This means patients can receive professional healthcare advice and treatment quickly, often on the same day, without needing to see a GP.

Patients can access Pharmacy First in three ways:

• Walking into a participating pharmacy
• Being referred by NHS 111
• Being referred by a GP practice or healthcare professional

Community pharmacists undergo additional clinical training to safely assess symptoms and provide treatment where appropriate.

The NHS Pharmacy First service currently allows pharmacists to assess and treat seven common health conditions.

1. Acute Sore Throat - Patients aged 5 years and over can receive assessment and treatment for sore throat symptoms, including possible bacterial infections such as tonsillitis. A pharmacist may recommend pain relief, provide advice, or supply antibiotics if clinically appropriate.
2. Acute Sinusitis - Patients aged 12 years and over experiencing symptoms of sinusitis, such as facial pain, blocked nose, or headaches, can be assessed by a pharmacist. Treatment may include symptom relief medicines and further guidance on managing sinus infections.
3. Acute Otitis Media (Ear Infection) - Children aged 1 to 17 years with symptoms of a middle ear infection may be assessed through Pharmacy First. Pharmacists can advise on treatment and provide medication when necessary.
4. Infected Insect Bites - Patients aged 1 year and over with infected insect bites can receive treatment and advice at a pharmacy. Pharmacists can assess signs of infection and provide medication if required.
5. Impetigo - Impetigo is a common and highly contagious skin infection that often affects children. Patients aged 1 year and over can be assessed and treated through the Pharmacy First service.
6. Shingles - Adults aged 18 years and over who develop symptoms of shingles may be able to receive antiviral treatment through a pharmacy. Early treatment can help reduce the severity and duration of symptoms.
7. Uncomplicated Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) - Women aged 16 to 64 years with symptoms of a urinary tract infection may receive treatment through Pharmacy First. A pharmacist can assess symptoms and supply antibiotics where appropriate.

The Pharmacy First service plays a key role in improving access to healthcare in the UK.

It helps:

• Reduce pressure on GP surgeries
• Provide faster access to treatment
• Make healthcare more convenient for patients
• Allow pharmacists to use their clinical expertise

Community pharmacies are often open longer hours than GP practices and allow walk-in consultations, making them an accessible healthcare option.

You should consider visiting a pharmacy first if you are experiencing symptoms related to one of the seven conditions covered by the service.

A pharmacist can quickly assess your symptoms and advise whether treatment is appropriate or if you should be referred to a GP or another healthcare professional.

At Allied Pharmacies, we are proud to support the NHS by offering the Pharmacy First service in our community pharmacies.

Our trained pharmacists can provide:

• Clinical assessment of common conditions
• Advice on managing symptoms
• NHS Pharmacy First treatment where appropriate
• Guidance on medications and healthcare

If you’re experiencing symptoms of a sore throat, sinus infection, ear infection, UTI, shingles, impetigo, or an infected insect bite, visit your local Allied Pharmacies branch for professional advice and treatment.

Pharmacists are highly trained healthcare professionals who can help you manage many common illnesses quickly and safely.

If you need advice about a minor illness or want to access the NHS Pharmacy First service, visit your nearest Allied Pharmacies branch and speak to a member of our team.