Pharmacy First.

The Pharmacy First service continues to free up GP appointments for patients who need them most and gives people quicker and more convenient access to safe and high-quality healthcare

Trained pharmacists can provide consultations, treatments and where necessary prescription medication for a range of conditions.

With more than 98 percent of community pharmacies in Devon offering this service, makes it easier and more convenient for people to access care.

Four in five people in England can reach a community pharmacy within a 20-minute walk and there are twice as many pharmacies in the most deprived communities, making access to care quicker and more convenient.

The 2023 public perceptions of community pharmacy survey found that the majority of people in England (89%) say they would be comfortable with being given antibiotics by the pharmacist without needing to see a GP for a prescription first.

For 7 common conditions, pharmacists will follow a robust clinical pathway which includes self-care and safety-netting advice and, only if appropriate, supplying a restricted set of prescription only medicines without the need to visit a GP.

Conditions they can offer prescription medicine for are:

  • sinusitis (aged 12 years and over)
  • sore throat (aged 5 years and over)
  • earache (aged 1 – 17 years)
  • infected insect bite (aged 1 and over)
  • impetigo (aged 1 and over)
  • shingles (aged 18 and over)
  • uncomplicated urinary tract infections in women (aged between 16 – 64)

Community pharmacists also offer help and advice on a wide range of symptoms and other minor illnesses, such as hay fever, acne, dry skin, mouth ulcers and indigestion.

You don’t need an appointment, and most pharmacies have a private consulting room or a quiet area where you can discuss your symptoms.

They can also help you decide if you need to see a doctor, or whether to use any other type of local NHS service.

Find your local pharmacy by clicking here
A quote from a service user - 'After phoning my local Pharmacy in St Leonards, the service I received from them was first class. The pharmacist was knowledgeable, professional, and having the examination in a private assessment room, felt no different than seeing a GP. Within an hour of feeling unwell, noticing a rash, I was leaving the pharmacy with my treatment for shingles.'
a quote from a service user - 'I used my local pharmacy for suspected sinus infection. I booked online and was seen an hour later. Pharmacist was professional and thorough and diagnosed an infection. I was prescribed antibiotics, which were prepared while I waited. Fantastic process and saved me a trip to the GP. '

Frequently asked questions

How can I access treatment from my pharmacy?

You can get treatment for these conditions by walking into the pharmacy or contacting them virtually. GP receptionists, NHS 111 and providers of emergency care will also be able to direct patients to pharmacies, that offer the service, if contacted.

What will happen when I arrive at the pharmacy?

The pharmacist will be able to speak to you privately in a separate consultation room. They may perform an examination or ask to access your medical records. The pharmacist will be able to recommend the best course of action on an individual patient basis, including by issuing prescriptions for antibiotics or antivirals where necessary.

How will this reduce NHS waiting times?

By reducing the number of patients with common conditions, needing blood pressure checks or oral contraception visiting a GP, Pharmacy First aims to free up 10 million GP appointments a year by next winter for more complex diagnosis

This will give GPs time and space to see patients with more complex conditions.

Four in five people in England can reach a community pharmacy within a 20-minute walk and there are twice as many pharmacies in the most deprived communities, making access to care quicker and more convenient.

How do I know if my local pharmacy is offering the service?

More than 200 pharmacies across Devon (over 98%)have already signed up to Pharmacy First,. Visit the NHS ‘Find a Pharmacy’ webpage to find your nearest.

Will I have to pay for my medication?

Usual prescription charges will apply for the seven common conditions. Patients that were already exempt from prescription charges will still be exempt.

What if I still want to see my GP?

Patients can still choose to visit a GP if they wish to. Pharmacy First offers alternative access for these seven conditions and we encourage people to make the most of this service and to consult the highly trained professions in their local pharmacy.

Will pharmacists be able to prescribe antibiotics?

Medicine supply must be clinically appropriate and only after a shared discussion between the patient and pharmacist on the risks and benefits of taking the medicine, and of any alternative self-care options.

Quote from a service user - 'I booked online, on a Sunday for a same day appointment at Tesco, and was seen within 10 minutes of my arrival. The pharmacist was brilliant and got me the medication I needed. 100% would use again!