Pharmacy First Service
Faster, more convenient NHS care without the need to visit your GP.
Pharmacy First
Our commitment to your health goes beyond traditional services, and we are proud to introduce the innovative Pharmacy First Service, offering you quick and easy access to professional healthcare solutions right here in Palmers Green, without needing to wait for a GP appointment.
The Pharmacy First service builds on the NHS Community Pharmacist Consultation Service which has run since October 2019. The consultation service enables patients to be referred into community pharmacy for a minor illness or an urgent repeat medicine supply.
The new Pharmacy First service, launched 31 January 2024, adds to the existing consultation service and enables community pharmacies to complete episodes of care for 7 common conditions following defined clinical pathways.
What is Pharmacy First?
Pharmacy First is a revolutionary healthcare service designed to provide immediate access to essential clinical treatments without the need for a GP appointment. At Palmers Pharmacy we understand the value of your time and well-being, and that’s why we are excited to offer this convenient alternative.
We can provide prescription-only medicine free of charge under the NHS across various age ranges for the following conditions:
| Clinical pathway | Age range |
| Acute otitis media* | 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 |
Patients will be able to access the 7 clinical pathways element via referrals from referring organisations including general practice, urgent and emergency care settings, and NHS 111 (online and via telephone). In addition, for the 7 common conditions clinical pathway consultations only, patients can access the service by attending or contacting the pharmacy directly without the need for referral.
How does Pharmacy First work?
1: Walk-In Convenience: Skip the wait for a GP appointment. Visit us at Palmers Pharmacy and speak directly with our trained professionals.
2: Assessment and Advice: Our expert team will assess your symptoms and provide professional advice on the most suitable treatment options.
3: Prescription Issuance: If necessary, we can provide prescriptions on the spot, ensuring you get the required medication without delay.
Our Pharmacy First Service operates in accordance with the latest NHS guidelines. For detailed information, you can refer to the Pharmacy First Framework provided by the gov.uk.
Your Health is our priority
At Palmers Pharmacy we prioritise your health and well-being.
Pharmacy First is not just a service, its a commitment to providing accessible and efficient healthcare solutions tailored to your needs..
Providing high quality health and care services
For the 7 common conditions, our pharmacist 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.
These clinical pathways have been developed with input from various experts including practising GPs, pharmacists, and antimicrobial resistance specialists as well as representatives from national organisations such as the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) and UK Health Security Agency. This ensures that the steps we take together match the care patients would receive in general practice and follow the latest national guidelines.
We have a private consultation room that can be used for consultations with patients, and our pharmacists can see patients for clinical services without always needing an appointment.
Every pharmacist trains for 5 years in the use of medicines and managing minor illnesses, so are well equipped to provide health and wellbeing advice to help people stay well. They are also experienced in spotting warning signs, otherwise known as red flag symptoms, which may warrant a referral to another healthcare provider.
After a consultation with the pharmacist, the pharmacy will send a notification to the patient’s GP on the same day or on the following working day.
Visit Palmers Pharmacy for Pharmacy First
Say goodbye to appointment wait times and embrace the convenience of Pharmacy First at Palmers Pharmacy. Your health deserves priority – visit us today for swift, professional care.
