Pharmacy First - getting the most from your pharmacist

What is Pharmacy First?

The Pharmacy First scheme means you can go and see a pharmacist about several minor illnesses and conditions you would previously have had to see your GP about. You can visit your pharmacist for a consultation and they will treat you and prescribe medicines if necessary. If your condition is more serious you will be referred to a GP or hospital.

Your pharmacist will asses your suitably for treating you and may refer you to another health service if they feel it's more appropriate.

Patient picks for Medicine information

Treatment and medication

Why antibiotics shouldn't be overused

The nights are drawing in, the weather's taken a turn for the worse and unfortunately many of us are battling a seasonal cold or cough. It also means that your local GP surgery is full to burst with concerned patients asking for antibiotics. But they're likely to be disappointed.

by Dr Sarah Jarvis MBE, FRCGP

Treatment and medication

Antibiotics

Antibiotics are a group of medicines that are used to treat infections caused by bacteria and certain parasites. Antibiotics do not work against infections that are caused by viruses - for example, the common cold or flu. Antibiotics should only be prescribed for more serious bacterial infections or bacterial infections in people with immune system problems, as many infections get better on their own. Correct use of antibiotics is absolutely essential to help reduce antibiotic resistance. Bacteria become resistant to antibiotics over time, which makes them less effective. The World Health Organization (WHO) says "the world urgently needs to change the way it prescribes and uses antibiotics" as antibiotic resistance is a major global threat.

by Dr Pippa Vincent, MRCGP

What conditions can you see your pharmacist about?

Under Pharmacy First, pharmacists can treat and prescribe medicines for seven conditions. These are the conditions, and at what age, you can see the pharmacist about:

• Earache - 1 to 17 years.

• Impetigo - 1 year and over.

• Infected insect bites - 1 year and over.

• Shingles - 18 years and over.

• Sinusitis - 12 years and over.

• Sore throat - 5 years and over.

• Uncomplicated urinary tract infections - women 16-64 years.

Anyone not within these age ranges should see their GP.

There are many other conditions which you can also see your pharmacist about rather than your doctor. These include:

• Aches and pains - such as, back pain, headache and period pain.

• Accidents - such as, sprains, minor cuts, and grazes

• Colds, flu and other infections - such as, cough, congestion, fevers and/or temperature.

• Ear care - such as, ear wax.

• Eye care - such as, conjunctivitis, styes.

• Hay fever - which is not controlled by standard over-the-counter treatments.

• Rashes.

• Skin problems - such as, athlete’s foot, cold sores, or mild eczema or psoriasis.

• Stomach aches - such as, constipation, diarrhoea, or indigestion.

How to see your pharmacist

More than 10,000 pharmacies across the UK are part of the scheme - that's more than 9 out of every 10. Generally, you can just walk in to your closest or preferred one and ask for an appointment - or they will see you straightaway if there is availability. If you'd prefer, you can call and ask for a video consultation with the pharmacist.

You may also be referred to a pharmacy appointment from:

• NHS 111 - online, telephone and the NHS App.

• Integrated urgent care clinical assessment services.

• Urgent treatment centres.

• A&E.

• 999.

• Your GP.

To find out your nearest pharmacy and check if it is part of the scheme go to NHS pharmacy finder or just walk in.

What will happen at your pharmacist appointment

Your consultation with the pharmacist will always be confidential and in a private place. The pharmacist will ask you questions about your health - they may need to know about your previous medical history, any allergies, any medicines you are taking, and the symptoms you are experiencing. They will ask you before checking any medical records.

For some conditions, the pharmacist may ask to have a look at what is wrong - for instance, if you have an earache, they may use an otoscope to look into your ear. The pharmacist will not use diagnostic tests to check for specific conditions - such as checking a pee sample for a UTI or swabbing your sore throat.

The pharmacist will recommend the best course of action to treat your condition - this could be that your illness is best to run its course, they may prescribe medication such as antibiotics. If your condition is more severe they may refer you to another health service or professional.

The notes of your consultation will be added to your medical records.

What else can you see a pharmacist about

As well as the conditions covered under Pharmacy First and other minor illnesses, there are many other issues and topics your pharmacist will be able to help you with, these include:

• Advice on using and disposing of medicines.

• Contraception.

• Blood pressure checks.

• Chlamydia screening and treatment.

• Quitting smoking.

• Cholesterol and blood sugar testing.

• Drug use - including needle and syringe exchange schemes.

• Help on how to manage your weight.

• Some vaccinations.