Pharmacy First
Pharmacy First is an NHS service that encourages patients to visit their local pharmacy first instead of going to their GP for a range of conditions which can be assessed and treated by pharmacists.
Sharoe Green Pharmacy
272 Sharoe Green Lane, Fulwood, Preston, PR2 9HD
The NHS Pharmacy First service enables community pharmacies in England to assess and treat patients for a defined range of common clinical conditions, without the patient needing to see a GP first.
It is designed to make better use of community pharmacists, improve access to treatment, and reduce pressure on GP and urgent care services.
How the service works
Patients can access Pharmacy First through:
Self-referral — patients can walk into or contact a participating pharmacy.
Referral from NHS services — including GPs, NHS 111, urgent care and other healthcare professionals.
The pharmacist conducts a clinical assessment, provides advice and self-care where appropriate, and supplies treatment when clinically indicated.
Conditions covered
The service currently covers seven common conditions:
ConditionTypical patient group
Acute otitis media (ear infection)Children aged 1–17 years
ImpetigoAdults and children aged 1 year and over
Infected insect bitesAdults and children aged 1 year and over
ShinglesAdults aged 18 years and over
SinusitisAdults and children aged 12 years and over
Sore throatAdults and children aged 5 years and over
Uncomplicated urinary tract
infection (UTI)Women aged 16–64 years
The pharmacist determines whether the patient meets the service criteria and whether treatment is appropriate.
What the pharmacist provides
Following assessment, the pharmacist may:
Provide reassurance and self-care advice
Supply an appropriate medicine, where indicated under the service requirements
Provide advice on symptom management
Refer the patient to their GP, NHS 111, urgent care or another appropriate service where necessary
Provide appropriate safety-netting, including advice about when to seek further medical attention.