Nottingham and Nottinghamshire ICB
Tens of thousands of Notts residents have received treatment from their local high street pharmacy in the first year of a new scheme aimed giving better access to NHS care for common illnesses and relieving pressure on GP Practices.
Pharmacy First was launched nationally on 31 January 2024.
Pharmacy First means that more than 200 community pharmacies in Nottingham and Nottinghamshire are now the first port of call for people with the seven following common conditions:
No appointment is necessary, people can just walk-in to any participating pharmacy – or they may be referred to the service by their GP Practice.
Patients are seen in a private consultation room at the pharmacy or via video link if they access an internet pharmacy. Once they’ve been assessed, if it’s appropriate, the pharmacist can provide NHS prescription medicines.
Dr Dave Briggs, Medical Director at NHS Nottingham and Nottinghamshire, said: “Pharmacy First is really helping our residents access important primary care services more quickly in a convenient location, often at weekends and evenings. These services are not only high quality and readily accessible but they also support our general practice services.”
Emma Marsden, of Well Pharmacy in Worksop said: “As a pharmacist I’m enjoying using my clinical skills to treat patients as well as diagnose and I found it particularly rewarding being able to help patients including children over the Christmas period, who may not have been seen without us.
“Patients seem to like the service, especially the speed and convenience and are often very appreciative.”
Imran Mohammed, Director and Superintendent Pharmacist at the Orchard Pharmacy in Mansfield added: “We’ve carried out over 1,100 Pharmacy First consultations since the service was launched.
“Our pharmacists can have up to three consultations an hour and the patients have told us they are very satisfied with the service provided as they appreciate the role of the community pharmacy being able to combat minor acute conditions.
“It is very rewarding for me to know that we are making a difference in the community and allowing more precious GP time to focus on patients with more complex conditions.”
The range of NHS services available in pharmacies has continued to grow in recent years, with many now offering blood pressure checks, vaccinations and oral contraceptive services without the need for a prescription.
Find out more about Pharmacy First and all the additional services available in pharmacies at www.notts.icb.nhs.uk/your-services/community-pharmacy
