Pharmacists in England will soon be able to treat patients for a broader array of common health conditions, including migraines, acne, scabies, certain ear infections, and allergic rhinitis, as the National Health Service (NHS) expands its 'pharmacy first' scheme.
This phased rollout, beginning this autumn, aims to provide more convenient access to healthcare, allowing individuals to consult with qualified pharmacists for these conditions without requiring an initial appointment with a general practitioner (GP). Currently, the pharmacy first service enables pharmacists to treat ailments such as impetigo, infected insect bites, shingles, sinusitis, sore throats, and urinary tract infections.
The NHS anticipates that the expanded service could facilitate between two and three million consultations for the newly added conditions annually. This initiative is part of a broader effort to bolster community-based healthcare services and alleviate pressure on GP surgeries and emergency departments, particularly as the NHS prepares for winter.
Dr. Amanda Doyle, national director for primary care and community services at NHS England, highlighted the convenience of the service, stating, "Thanks to community pharmacy teams, millions of people have received treatment for common conditions quickly and conveniently on their local high streets." She added that by offering care for these new conditions in pharmacies, "patients can get as much support as possible in their communities, so they do not have to be admitted to hospital unnecessarily."
Since its launch in February 2024, the pharmacy first service has already conducted 14 million consultations. Approximately four out of five people in England live within a 20-minute walk of a community pharmacy, underscoring the accessibility of this healthcare model.
Pharmacy organizations have welcomed the expansion, though some have called for further integration and investment. Henry Gregg, chief executive of the National Pharmacy Association, noted that while the expansion is significant, "We want to see the government turbo charge the role of pharmacies, including rolling out more prescribing services to patients on the NHS." He pointed to Scotland, where patients can access treatment for 27 conditions at pharmacies.
M Malcolm Harrison, chief executive of the Company Chemists' Association, which represents major pharmacy chains, stated that expanding the range of conditions treated under pharmacy first is "an important step towards making better use of pharmacists' clinical expertise and giving patients greater access to more convenient NHS care."
Prime Minister Andy Burnham emphasized the public's desire for accessible healthcare, saying, "People are fed up with the scramble for routine appointments. They want help when they need it, close to home." He believes this expansion will "ease pressure on GPs and A&E, and giving people back precious time."