NHS England has launched the latest Think Pharmacy First theme, part of its ‘Help Us, Help You’ campaign. It’s all about how much support community pharmacists can offer you on your doorstep.
“There’s lots of services available in the NHS that pharmacists can help patients with, without needing to see a GP. From colds, to advice on more serious medical issues. Did you know your pharmacy can prescribe medicines for some health conditions? This is called Pharmacy First. This can sometimes be quicker and more convenient for you.”
Nabeel Patel, Pharmacist, Haringey
Watch: Pharmacist Nabeel on how your local pharmacy can help you stay well | Your Local Health Team
Pharmacy First
Highly trained pharmacists at nine out of 10 pharmacies can now assess, treat, and if appropriate, prescribe medicine without a GP appointment for these seven minor conditions:
- earache (for those aged between 1 and 17)
- impetigo (for those aged 1 year and over)
- infected insect bites (for those aged 1 year and over)
- shingles (for those aged over 18 years old)
- sinusitis (for those aged 12 years and over)
- sore throat (for those aged 5 years and over)
- urinary tract infections (UTIs) (for women aged 16-64 years)
Pharmacists are an important part of Your Local Health Team
Community pharmacy teams are highly skilled, qualified health professionals who have the right clinical training to give you the health advice you need, or point you to other local services where necessary. Did you know, pharmacists study at university for five years before they can even qualify!
Pharmacists have always helped patients, families and carers in their communities stay healthy and are well placed to offer treatment for many health conditions.
Private consultation rooms
“If patients want to speak to a pharmacist about any private matters, they can ask to use the consultation room. This can include sexual health, the morning after pill, or any pregnancy related questions.” Nabeel, Pharmacist
Help us help you
By expanding the services community pharmacies offer, the NHS is aiming to free up GP appointments and give you more choice in how and where you access care.
Don’t wait for minor health concerns to get worse. Think pharmacy first and get seen by your local pharmacy team today.
Find out more
- Visit uk/thinkpharmacyfirst
- Watch: A local Pharmacist talks about how they can help you stay well
- Find out more: Your Local Health Team/staywell
