The NHS Pharmacy First advanced service will launch on Wednesday, 31 January, as announced in November 2023.
The new 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 help patients access quicker and more convenient care, including the supply of appropriate medicines for minor illness.
As part of this change, the service is being expanded to include seven new clinical pathways (listed below). Patients suffering with any of these conditions can be treated with an appropriate antibiotic/antiviral medicine at participating community pharmacies.
- Uncomplicated Urinary Tract Infection – Women 16 to 64 years
- Shingles – 18 years and over
- Acute Otitis Media – 1 to 17 years
- Acute Sinusitis – 12 years and over
- Infected insect bites – 1 year and over
- Impetigo – 1 year and over
- Acute Sore Throat – 5 years and over
