7 Pharmacy First Conditions: What You Need to Know

The NHS Pharmacy First service is an initiative that enables patients to seek treatment for minor health conditions directly from their local pharmacist. This service allows individuals to bypass the need for a GP appointment, offering a more convenient and often faster solution to managing everyday health concerns. Pharmacies participating in this programme are equipped to handle various conditions, providing expert advice, over-the-counter medications, and, when necessary, prescriptions for more targeted treatments.

One key benefit of the Pharmacy First service is its role in easing the pressure on GP surgeries and A&E departments. By directing patients with non-urgent conditions to pharmacies, the service helps to free up valuable resources in other parts of the healthcare system, ensuring that GPs and emergency services can focus on more critical cases. This initiative is a practical solution for managing common health issues in a community setting, making healthcare more accessible and efficient for everyone.

How to Use the Pharmacy First Service

Using the NHS Pharmacy First service is straightforward. Patients simply need to visit a participating pharmacy to consult with a qualified pharmacist about their symptoms. The pharmacist will assess the condition, provide advice, and, if necessary, recommend or supply appropriate treatment. Sometimes, they may provide prescription medication or refer the patient to a GP if the condition requires further investigation.

The service is free for patients registered with a GP in the UK and eligible for NHS services. This means that most UK residents can access the service without incurring costs, making it an affordable and convenient option for managing minor health issues. Additionally, subject to how busy the pharmacy is, no appointment is generally needed, and patients can receive treatment the same day they experience symptoms, helping them recover more quickly and avoid unnecessary discomfort.

Who is Suitable for the Pharmacy First Service?

The NHS Pharmacy First service suits individuals of all ages, from young children to the elderly. Each condition covered by the service has specific age criteria, ensuring the treatment is appropriate for the patient’s age group. For example, some conditions, like acute otitis media (a common ear infection), are specifically covered for children aged 1 to 17. In contrast, others, such as uncomplicated urinary tract infections, target women aged 16 to 64.

This service primarily benefits parents with young children who may find it challenging to secure a timely GP appointment. It also offers an accessible healthcare option for elderly patients and those with mobility issues who may struggle to attend a GP surgery. By making healthcare more accessible and reducing waiting times, the Pharmacy First service plays a crucial role in maintaining the health and well-being of the community.

The NHS Pharmacy First service covers a range of minor conditions, enabling patients to receive treatment and advice directly from their local pharmacist without needing to visit their GP. Below is an overview of each condition, including the age eligibility, common symptoms, and how the service can assist. Please note, that the exclusion criteria below are summarised in general, and not exhaustive.  The pharmacist often has many more factors to consider during a consultation to determine the appropriate clinical decision.

1. Acute Otitis Media

Acute otitis media is a common ear infection in children. It is typically characterised by ear pain, fever, irritability, and sometimes fluid discharge from the ear. This condition often follows a cold or respiratory infection.

Eligibility Criteria - Children aged 1 to 17 years.

The Pharmacy First service can offer pain relief medications such as paracetamol or ibuprofen to alleviate symptoms. Pharmacists may also advise on home care, such as applying a warm compress to the affected ear. Sometimes, the pharmacist may be able to prescribe antibiotics if symptoms are severe or do not improve.

Exclusion Criteria - Severe cases, recurrent infections, or any instances where the child has a high fever, swelling around the ear, or symptoms lasting longer than a few days may require a referral to a GP.

2. Impetigo

Impetigo is a contagious bacterial skin infection that causes red sores, often around the nose and mouth. These sores can burst and develop into yellow-brown crusts, normally start from an infected cold sore.

Eligibility Criteria - Patients aged one year and over.

Pharmacists can provide topical or oral antibiotics to treat impetigo, depending on the severity of the infection. They also offer guidance on maintaining hygiene to prevent the spread of the disease, such as keeping the affected area clean and avoiding close contact with others.

Exclusion Criteria - If impetigo is widespread, recurrent, or does not respond to initial treatment, a GP referral may be necessary for more intensive treatment.

3. Infected Insect Bites

Insect bites can become infected if bacteria enter the skin through the bite. Symptoms include redness, swelling, pain, and occasionally, pus.

Eligibility Criteria - Patients aged one year and over.

The Pharmacy First service can provide antiseptic creams or post-bite creams like Anthisan to clean the area and prevent further infection. If the infection is more advanced, the pharmacist may prescribe antibiotics. Patients will also receive advice on preventing future insect bites, such as using insect repellent and wearing protective clothing.

Exclusion Criteria - Severe allergic reactions, bites associated with systemic symptoms such as fever, or bites that continue to worsen despite treatment should be referred to a GP for further evaluation.

4. Shingles

Shingles, also known as herpes zoster, is a viral infection that results in a painful rash, usually on one side of the body. It is caused by the reactivation of the chickenpox virus in individuals who have previously had chickenpox.

Eligibility Criteria - Patients aged 18 years and over.

Pharmacists can offer antiviral medications that help reduce the severity and duration of the infection if started early. Pain relief options, such as over-the-counter analgesics or prescribed drugs, are also available. Additionally, pharmacists advise on managing symptoms at home and preventing the spread of the virus.

Exclusion Criteria - If the rash is located near the eyes or if the patient is experiencing severe pain, fever, or other complications, they should be referred to a GP for further management.

5. Sinusitis

Sinusitis is the inflammation of the sinuses, leading to symptoms such as facial pain, headache, nasal congestion, and a reduced sense of smell. It often follows a cold or allergy.

Eligibility Criteria - Patients aged 12 years and over.

The Pharmacy First service can provide decongestants and pain relief to manage symptoms. Pharmacists may also recommend saline nasal sprays to help clear the sinuses. In addition to medication, advice on home care, such as using a humidifier or inhaling steam, is also offered. If symptoms persist, then antibiotic therapy may also be considered.

Exclusion Criteria - Chronic or recurrent sinusitis, or cases where symptoms worsen rapidly or significantly at any time, OR do not improve after completion of a treatment course, may require a GP or ENT specialist referral.

6. Sore Throat

A viral infection often causes a sore throat but can also result from bacterial infections. It is characterised by pain in the throat, difficulty swallowing, and sometimes a hoarse voice. Examples are tonsilitis, strep throat and Strep A.

Eligibility Criteria - Patients aged five years and over.

Pharmacists can recommend pain relief medications, throat lozenges like Strepsils or Stefen, or sprays to ease discomfort. If a bacterial infection is suspected, such as strep throat, antibiotics may be prescribed.

Exclusion Criteria - If the sore throat is persistent, associated with high fever, or accompanied by systemic symptoms like swollen lymph nodes, a GP referral may be necessary.

7. Uncomplicated Urinary Tract Infections in Women

An uncomplicated urinary tract infection (UTI) is a common bacterial infection that affects the bladder and urethra, leading to symptoms such as painful urination, frequent urge to urinate, and lower abdominal discomfort.

Eligibility Criteria - Women aged 16 to 64 years.

The Pharmacy First service can provide antibiotics to treat the infection, if symptoms are consistent with a UTI and are moderate to severe in nature. Additionally, pharmacists offer advice on using cystitis relief sachets (Cystoputin or CanesOasis), increasing fluid intake and measures to prevent future UTIs, such as urinating after sexual intercourse and practising proper hygiene.

Exclusion Criteria - Recurrent UTIs, UTIs in men, pregnant women, or those with more severe symptoms like back pain or fever should be referred to a GP for further assessment and treatment.

Eligibility Criteria

The NHS Pharmacy First service is designed to be accessible and convenient. It provides treatment for minor health conditions directly at your local pharmacy. You must be registered with a GP in the UK and eligible for NHS services to be eligible for this service. This service is particularly beneficial for those with conditions that do not require immediate or emergency care and can be managed with the support of a pharmacist.

Each condition covered by the Pharmacy First service has specific eligibility criteria, often based on age. For example, conditions like Acute Otitis Media are only eligible for children aged 1 to 17, while treatments for Uncomplicated Urinary Tract Infections are available to women aged 16 to 64. These age restrictions ensure that patients receive appropriate care tailored to their needs.

It's also important to note that this service is available to patients of all age groups with conditions such as sore throats, sinusitis, and insect bites. It is particularly useful for parents with young children, elderly individuals, and those who may have difficulty accessing a GP.

Exclusion Criteria

While the Pharmacy First service is designed to cover a broad range of minor conditions, there are situations where a patient may not be eligible. Exclusion criteria typically involve more severe or complicated cases of the covered conditions. For instance, a child with recurrent ear infections or an adult with a severe case of shingles might require more specialised treatment and should be referred to a GP.

Other exclusion criteria may include patients with additional health conditions complicating their treatment. For example, pregnant women with urinary tract infections or individuals with chronic sinusitis may need a more comprehensive evaluation and are advised to seek GP advice. If a condition worsens, persists, or does not respond to the initial treatment provided by the pharmacist, it is crucial to seek further medical advice from a GP or a specialist to ensure proper care.

The Pharmacy First service offers a range of treatment options designed to effectively manage and alleviate symptoms of minor conditions. Your local pharmacist provides These treatments directly, offering a convenient and accessible alternative to GP appointments.

Pharmacists can prescribe over-the-counter medications or, in some cases, provide prescription medications for eligible conditions. For instance, antibiotics may be prescribed for bacterial infections like impetigo or uncomplicated urinary tract infections, while antiviral medicines might be offered for shingles. Pharmacists can recommend decongestants, pain relief medications, and lozenges to ease discomfort for conditions such as sinusitis or sore throats.

Beyond medications, pharmacists provide valuable advice on managing symptoms at home. This might include recommending warm compresses for ear infections, advice on hygiene practices for impetigo, or guidance on preventing future insect bites. They can also instruct on the proper use of medications prescribed, ensuring patients understand how to take them safely and effectively.

One of the key advantages of the Pharmacy First service is its accessibility. Patients can walk into a participating pharmacy without needing an appointment, receive a consultation, and often walk out with the treatment they need within minutes. This makes it easier for patients to get timely care and helps reduce the burden on GP surgeries and A&E departments, allowing them to focus on more severe cases.

In situations where a condition is beyond the scope of what the pharmacy can treat, the pharmacist will provide a referral to a GP, ensuring that patients receive the appropriate level of care. This seamless integration between pharmacy and GP services helps ensure that all patients receive the care they need, whether a quick consultation or more intensive medical treatment.