NHS Pharmacy First Service (PFS)
What is the Pharmacy First Service (PFS)?
The Pharmacy First scheme was launched by the UK Government and NHS England on 31 January 2024 to give patients quick and accessible care and to ease pressure on GP services.
Patients can now get treatment for seven common conditions directly from their local pharmacy, without the need for a GP appointment or prescription.
The 7 common symptoms Pharmacy First can treat;
|
Clinical pathway |
Age range |
|
Acute otitis media (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 |
You can get treatment for these conditions by booking online, or walking into a participating pharmacy. GP surgeries, NHS 111 and providers of emergency care will also be able to direct patients to pharmacies, that offer the service, if contacted.
*Distance selling pharmacies will not complete consultations for acute otits media (earache).
You can read more about this service here.