Pharmacy First: Quick Help for Common Illnesses and Your Voice Matters
That’s where the Pharmacy First scheme, introduced in 2024, comes in. The service enables trained pharmacists to treat seven common conditions without a GP referral, helping you get care faster and freeing up GP appointments for more complex health needs.
Long waiting times remain a national challenge, often caused by several aspects including minor ailments that could be treated elsewhere.
Sometimes, seeing a GP is essential and you should continue to access those services, but often we don’t need to see a GP, we need to see a health professional who can help us feel better without a delay.
What Conditions Are Covered?
Pharmacy First can help with:
- Acute otitis media (ear infection): ages 1–17
- Impetigo: 1 year and over
- Infected insect bites: 1 year and over
- Shingles: 18 years and over
- Sinusitis: 12 years and over
- Sore throat: 5 years and over
- Uncomplicated urinary tract infections: women aged 16–64
How Does It Work?
If you’re feeling unwell with any of the conditions covered by Pharmacy First, simply visit a participating pharmacy and ask for a private consultation with the pharmacist.
You might also be referred by your GP practice if they have no available appointments, or by NHS 111. In many cases, pharmacists can offer this service on the spot if you come in asking for help.
Consultations can take place in person in a private room or virtually via phone or video call. The pharmacist will ask questions, may carry out an examination, and will always seek your consent to access your medical records. Based on your clinical needs, they can recommend the best course of action. This could include prescribing antibiotics or antivirals where appropriate or advising on effective over-the-counter treatments.
Why This Matters for You
- No referral needed—just visit or call your local pharmacy.
- Faster treatment for minor illnesses.
- Reduced pressure on GPs, so they can focus on serious cases.
- Accessible care close to home, often with extended opening hours.
Healthwatch’s Role
We’re here to make sure services like Pharmacy First work for everyone. So as much as it is a great idea, is it working for local people? Is it working for you? Your experiences matters.
- Used the scheme? Tell us what worked well and what could be improved.
- Haven’t used it yet? Share why and what would help spread the word.
Your feedback helps shape better healthcare for our community. Together, we can make local services more responsive and accessible.
Call to Action
✅ Share your experience today by completing the survey
✅ Spread the word – Tell friends and family about Pharmacy First.
✅ Follow us on X and Facebook for updates and tips.
