What are the new Pharmacy First rules and the 7 conditions?

31 January 2024, 13:03 | Updated: 20 February 2024, 11:13

Pharmacy First is expected to free up 10 million GP appointments each year. Picture: Alamy

By Alice Dear

What is Pharmacy First, what are the 7 conditions you should go to the pharmacy for and where is the scheme in the UK?

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The Government and NHS launched Pharmacy First on Wednesday 31st January 2024, a new scheme put in place to help ease the pressure on GP surgeries across the UK.

Pharmacy First will allow pharmacists to help treat seven common conditions in their communities, which will free up appointments at general practices for more serious illness and conditions.

This scheme will replace the Community Pharmacist Consultation Service (CPCS), with over 10,000 pharmacies across the UK signing up to be part of Pharmacy First.

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Here's everything you need to know about Pharmacy First, including what the scheme is, which illness pharmacists can treat and where to find your local branch.

Pharmacy First is a scheme which will help free up GP appointments across the UK. Picture: Alamy

What is Pharmacy First?

Pharmacy First is a new NHS scheme put in place by the Government to help ease the pressure on GPs across the UK amid appointment difficulties.

The scheme will allow pharmacists to help treat seven common illnesses, saving the patient a trip to their GP and freeing up appointments for more serious conditions.

The PFS also comes with expansions to the pharmacy blood pressure checking and contraceptive services, which is predicted to save up to 10 million GP appointments each year and allow patients to "access quicker and more convenient care".

Pharmacy First will replace the Community Pharmacist Consultation Service (CPCS) and will consist of three 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

Pharmacists will be able to offer advice to patients through this new scheme, and even supply NHS medicines where clinically appropriate for seven common illness.