The Pharmacy First service is an expansion and rebranding of what was presvious known as the 'community pharmacy consultation service'. A Pharmacy (sometimes called a 'chemist') can now help with things that have been historically dealth with by a GP.
There are two parts to the Pharmacy First service:
Minor illness / common conditions consultations
A pharmacy can help with minor illnesses and can provide quality care and support on health conditions. It covers illnesses and injuries such as:
- Acne, Spots and Pimples
- Ankle, foot, knee, or lower leg swelling or pain
- Athlete’s foot
- Allergic reactions
- Bites or stings
- Constipation
- Coughs and colds
- Diarrhoea
- Dressing problems
- Ear Discharge or Ear Wax / Earache
- Eye problems (red, irritable, sticky, watery) inc. eyelid problems
- Failed contraception
- Headaches
- Hearing problems or blocked ear
- Hip, thigh or buttock swelling or pain
- Lower back pain
- Mouth ulcers and blisters
- Nasal congestion
- Rashes
- Rectal pain
- Scabies
- Sleep difficulties
- Sore throat
- Shoulder pain
- Tiredness
- Toe swelling or pain
- Vaginal problems (discharge, itch, soreness)
- Vomiting
- Wrist, hand or finger swelling or pain
How does this service work?
Click here to watch a video that explains how this new service works
When you contact us regarding a minor condition, where appropriate, our receptionist will offer you the option of having a same-day appointment with your community pharmacist.
Community pharmacists are highly qualified and experienced in providing clinical advice and care. They will offer you a same-day consultation via the phone, or in person.
Your pharmacist will take your medical history, ask about your symptoms and any current medication you might be taking. Following the consultation, the pharmacist will offer you self-care advice and if appropriate, offer you an over-the-counter product. The pharmacist will make a record your consultation and send it to your GP.
If having given you advice/treatment, your pharmacist identifies you need further specialist help they will be able to refer you back to your GP, or onto another health service for support.
Community pharmacists have already successfully seen thousands of patients for a consultation for a minor condition, following a call to NHS 111.
Further common conditions consultations (known as 'clinical pathways consultations')
These are commonly occurring infections, that can be managed by a Pharmacist.
The advantages of the scheme are Community pharmacies are local and open longer hours than the GP practice and it frees up GP appointments for those that have more complex symptoms who really need to see a GP. For more information on the Pharmacy First service, please visit the following website: https://communitypharmacy.org.uk/homepage/nhs-pharmacy-first-service/
