Pharmacy First

The Pharmacy First service builds on the NHS Community Pharmacist Consultation Service, which has been in operation since October 2019. This consultation service allows patients to be referred to community pharmacies for support with minor illnesses or urgent repeat medication requests.

Launched on 31 January 2024, the new Pharmacy First service expands this model by empowering community pharmacies to manage and complete care episodes for seven common conditions, following clearly defined clinical pathways.

* Distance selling pharmacies will not complete consultations for acute otitis media.

Patients can access the seven clinical pathways through referrals from a range of organisations, including general practice, urgent and emergency care settings, and NHS 111 (both online and by phone). In addition, for consultations related to the seven common conditions, patients may also access the service directly by visiting or contacting a participating pharmacy, without needing a referral.

When a patient presents with relevant symptoms to their GP practice, the care navigator or receptionist can refer them for a consultation with a community pharmacist of their choice. With the patient’s consent, the practice team will send an electronic referral to the selected pharmacy, ensuring safe follow-up and effective record-keeping for audit purposes.

Click here for more information on the process.

Over 10,000 pharmacies have already signed up to deliver the Pharmacy First service. That's more than 95% of pharmacies across England. Local pharmacies providing this service include: