The Pharmacy First service builds on the NHS Community Pharmacist Consultation Service, which has been in place since October 2019. This service allows patients to be referred to a community pharmacy for support with a minor illness or for an urgent repeat medication supply.
The new Pharmacy First service, launched on 31 January 2024, expands this offering. It enables community pharmacies to manage and complete episodes of care for seven common conditions, following defined clinical pathways.
When the practice is unable to offer a GP appointment or has reached capacity, our team may direct you to a local community pharmacy as an appropriate alternative. Pharmacists are trained to assess and manage many minor health concerns, and this ensures you receive timely and effective care without unnecessary delays.
