Pharmacy First: Seven common conditions pharmacies can treat without a GP

NHS England's Pharmacy First service, launched in 2024, allows community pharmacies to treat seven common conditions without a GP appointment; treatment options and age limits vary by condition and nation.

Pharmacy First is a service from NHS England that allows community pharmacies to provide treatment for seven common conditions without a GP appointment. The NHS has encouraged people to "think pharmacy first" in a post on X. Launched in 2024, the scheme aims to reduce demand for GP appointments by offering easier access to safe, high-quality care. Treatment availability and age limits differ by condition and across the UK nations. Key details: - Pharmacy First was launched in 2024 by NHS England and covers treatment for seven common conditions at participating community pharmacies. - Some treatments have age limits; the scheme currently covers shingles treatment only for adults aged 18 and over, for example. - Pharmacists can speak privately in consultation rooms, may perform examinations, and may ask to access medical records as part of assessing treatment needs. - Pharmacists can recommend individual treatment pathways and may issue prescriptions for antibiotics or antivirals where necessary. - Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland operate their own Pharmacy First schemes with local arrangements. - NHS 111 offers 24/7 urgent advice across the UK, with an online portal limited to England and accessible services (including BSL options) noted in official guidance. Summary: The scheme is intended to reduce demand on GP services and give people quicker access to treatment for minor conditions. Its precise coverage and age limits vary by condition and across UK nations. Undetermined at this time.