From Janaury 31st 2024, thousands of pharmacists across England will be able to assess and treat patients without the need for a GP appointment or prescription for:

The seven conditions are:

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

The new Pharmacy First Service will enable community pharmacists to complete episodes of care for patients without the need for the patient to visit their general practice. 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 overall service consists of three core elements:

  • Pharmacy First (clinical pathways) – new element
  • Pharmacy First (urgent repeat medicine supply) – previously commissioned as the CPCS.
  • Pharmacy First (NHS referrals for minor illness) – previously commissioned as the CPCS.

Published: Feb 5, 2024