This new service started 31st January 2024 and is expected to free up GP appointments for patients who need them most and will give people quicker and more convenient access to safe and high quality healthcare. It includes the supply of appropriate medicines for 7 common conditions including earache, sore throat, and urinary tract infections, aiming to address health issues before they get worse.
Currently, NHS patients in England must visit their GP to access prescription only medication, meaning repeated GP visits and delays in treatment.
Community pharmacies offer a more convenient way to access healthcare that includes support with healthy eating, exercise, stopping smoking, monitoring your blood pressure, contraception, flu and covid vaccinations.
Accessing Pharmacy First services
The following table shows the 7 conditions pharmacists can manage across various age ranges.
Clinical pathway | Age range |
Acute otitis media* | 1 to 17 years |
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 16-64 years |
* Distance selling pharmacies will not complete consultations for acute otitis media.
Patients will be able to access the 7 clinical pathways element via referrals from referring organisations including general practice, urgent and emergency care settings, and NHS 111 (online and via telephone). In addition, for the 7 common conditions clinical pathway consultations only, patients can access the service by attending or contacting the pharmacy directly without the need for referral.