Pharmacists can provide prescription-only medications to address seven common health conditions without patients needing to visit a GP under the NHS Pharmacy First scheme
Patients can now bypass the GP and head straight to their local pharmacy for treatment of several common health issues, thanks to the NHS Pharmacy First scheme. This initiative allows pharmacists to dispense prescription-only medications for seven prevalent health conditions without the need for a GP visit.
With private consultation rooms available, pharmacies can offer clinical services often without an appointment. Pharmacists, with their five years of training in medication use and managing minor health issues, are well-equipped to provide health and wellness advice.
They’re also adept at spotting red flags that may necessitate a referral to another healthcare professional. Post-consultation, the pharmacy will inform the patient’s GP on the same or next working day.
Patients can access these services by simply walking into the pharmacy or reaching out online. GP receptionists, NHS 111, and emergency care providers can also direct patients to pharmacies offering these services, reports Surrey Live.
What does Pharmacy First treat?
Your local pharmacy can now provide prescription-only treatments for the following conditions if deemed necessary:
- Sinusitis (for patients aged 12 years and over only)
- Sore throat (aged 5+)
- Earache (aged 1 year-17)
- Infected insect bite (aged 1 year+)
- Impetigo (aged 18 years+)
- Shingles (aged 18 years+)
- Uncomplicated urinary tract infections (women aged 16 to 64)
Pharmacists are set to follow a detailed clinical pathway for seven common ailments, offering advice on self-care and safety measures. If appropriate, they can also dispense a limited selection of prescription-only drugs without the need for a GP visit.
- Symptoms of sinusitis include thick nasal mucus, nasal congestion, facial congestion, facial pain or pressure, loss of smell and fever.
- Symptoms of impetigo include red sores or blisters, leaking fluid or pus, yellow or honey-coloured scabs, pain or itchiness, fever and swollen lymph nodes.
- Symptoms of shingles include pain, rash, fever, headache, chills, and upset stomach, tingling or itching.
- Symptoms of uncomplicated urinary tract infection include a burning or stinging sensation when urinating, frequent urge to urinate, especially at night, passing small amounts of urine, urine that is cloudy, red, bright pink, or cola-colored, urine that smells bad, lower abdominal or pelvic pain and pain in the lower back, just below the ribs
How does it work?
If you’re feeling under the weather and have any of these conditions, you can pop into your local participating pharmacy and ask for a private consultation with the pharmacist. If your GP surgery is fully booked but believes your pharmacy can help, they may refer you there.
The 111 helpline can also point you in the direction of a pharmacist. If you walk in seeking help, pharmacists can provide immediate assistance.
Pharmacists may offer consultations via phone or video calls, or you can meet them face-to-face in a private area of the pharmacy. They will ask you some questions, possibly carry out an examination, and will require your consent to access your medical records.
Depending on your specific needs, the pharmacist can suggest the best course of action, which could include prescribing antibiotics or antivirals if necessary or recommending over-the-counter treatments that could be beneficial.
Do I have to pay for advice or medication?
The consultation and guidance from a pharmacist are free of charge. However, if you receive a recommendation for an over-the-counter medication, you’ll need to foot the bill.
For prescription-only meds, you’ll have to cough up the standard prescription fees unless you’re eligible for free prescriptions. If you’re often in need of medication and don’t qualify for exemptions, it might be worth getting a prescription prepayment certificate (PPC) to help cut down on costs.
Where to find a pharmacy near you?
The NHS has a handy service finder where you can locate your nearest pharmacy. Just click here to check out your closest spot.
Benefits of Pharmacy First:
In May 2023, NHS England and the Department of Health and Social Care rolled out a plan aimed at boosting access to primary care. A standout feature of this initiative lets patients get specific prescription medications straight from pharmacies, cutting out the need for a GP appointment.
This fresh service is designed to ease the demand for GP appointments, making sure those who really need them can get them more easily. It also offers folks quicker and more convenient access to safe, top-notch healthcare.
The plan includes providing suitable medications for seven common conditions, like earache, sore throat, and urinary tract infections, with the aim of tackling health concerns before they get worse. Currently, NHS patients in England have to see their GP to get prescription-only medications, which often results in multiple visits and delays in getting treatment.
The government has stated: “By reducing the number of patients with common conditions, needing blood pressure checks or oral contraception visiting a GP, Pharmacy First aims to free up 10 million GP appointments a year by next winter for more complex diagnosis.”
But what if you still want to see your GP?
You have the option to see a GP if you prefer. Pharmacy First provides an alternative for seven specific conditions, and the government encourages everyone to take advantage of this service and consult the skilled professionals at their local pharmacy.
A statement on Gov.uk reads: “We are working to expand GP access, and have now delivered on our manifesto commitment for 50 million more general practice appointments per year. We are also growing the primary care workforce and we hit our target for 26,000 additional staff in primary care by March 2024 more than a year early.”
What other services can pharmacies provide?
Pharmacies can provide over-the-counter medication for common conditions and minor injuries. They can also offer other services.
- Coughs
- Colds
- The flu
- Aches, pains, and skin rashes
Pharmacies can also provide:
- Advice from a pharmacist after contacting NHS 111 or a GP
- Chlamydia screening and treatment
- Advice and help on how to stop smoking
- Cholesterol and blood sugar testing
- The substance misuse service, including needle and syringe exchange schemes
- Advice and help on how to manage your weight
