Pharmacies in the United Kingdom launched the Pharmacy First service at the end of last month.
The service recognisees community pharmacists’ scope of practice by properly funding them to treat and diagnose seven common conditions.
These include:
- sinusitis
- sore throat
- acute otitis media
- infected insect bite
- impetigo
- shingles
- uncomplicated urinary tract infections in women.
It’s also designed and funded to make community pharmacies the first port-of-call for healthcare advice.
Under Pharmacy First, patients who present with symptoms of the seven conditions receive a consultation with their community pharmacist who, where necessary, can provide prescription medicine only treatment or over-the-counter medicine – all paid for by the National Health Service (NHS).
At the time of launch, pharmacy take up rate was high at 96 per cent.
UK pharmacists were already treating minor illnesses and providing urgent supply of medicines under the old Community Pharmacist Consultation Service.
Following the launch, Community Pharmacy England (CPE) CEO Janet Morrison said a lot of effort had gone into Pharmacy First to make the launch as smooth as possible.
“We are pleased to finally have reached this stage and know the hard work that has gone into it across the entire sector: this work will continue now to ensure that Pharmacy First is a success,” she said.
“I don’t doubt that pharmacies will rise to the challenge, but we know that in order for our sector to thrive it should not just end here at Pharmacy First. We’ll continue pushing for financial support to strengthen our sector for the future.”
She also said she didn’t expect a rush of consultations at the start of Pharmacy First as it will take time for the public to get used to the service.
