Pharmacy First

The new Pharmacy First Service enables community pharmacists to complete episodes of care for patients without the need for the patient to visit their general practice (even when patient may need antibiotics). This, alongside expansions to the pharmacy blood pressure checking and contraception services, will save up to 10 million general practice team appointments a year and help patients access quicker and more convenient care, including the supply of appropriate medicines for minor illness.

 

The Pharmacy First Service builds on the previous Community Pharmacist Consultation Service (CPCS) by enabling community pharmacies to manage patients for seven common conditions, following specific clinical pathways.

The seven conditions are:

Clinical Pathway

Age Range

Notes

Acute Otitis Media

1 to 17 years

 

Impetigo

1 year and over

 

Infected insect bites

1 year and over

Excludes:

  • Bites cause by animals/humans
  • Potential tick bites with rash
  • Bites that occurred abroad where insect born disease prevalent
  • Bite from unusual/exotic insect

Shingles

18 years and over

 

Sinusitis

12 years and over

 

Sore throat

5 years and over

 

Uncomplicated UTI

Women aged 16 – 64 year

Must have 2/3 symptoms for treatment:

  • Burning sensation
  • Increased night frequency
  • Cloudy Urine

The following exclusions apply (add to SDT):

  • Fever over 37.9
  • Kidney pain / tenderness in back/ribs
  • Nausea/vomitting
  • Flu like illness

Patients can self-refer to this service, we do not need to complete a referral.  If they would prefer a remote consultation they can complete a form via the 111 App or they can attend the pharmacy directly for an in person consultation.

 

Locally we know about the following pharmacies:

  • Lime Tree Pharmacy – starting 5/2/24 Mon-Fri
  • Rowland Pharmacy, The Waterfront, Mon-Fri
  • Kamsons, Manor Parade, at the moment Mon-Weds
  • Tesco Pharmacy, Mon-Fri
  • Kamsons Durrington, Mon-Fri