The Pharmacy First advanced service was launched on Wednesday 31 January, 2024 following agreement with Community Pharmacy England and the Government.
The deal sets out how the £645 million investment pledged within the Delivery plan for recovering access to primary care will be used to support community pharmacy services.
Under the agreement, the new Pharmacy First advanced service includes providing advice and NHS-funded treatment, where appropriate, for the following seven common conditions:
- earache
- impetigo
- infected insect bites
- shingles
- sinusitis
- sore throat
- uncomplicated urinary tract infections in women
Consultations for these seven clinical pathways can be provided to patients presenting to the pharmacy as well as those referred by NHS 111, general practices and other healthcare providers.
The service also incorporates the existing elements of the Community Pharmacist Consultation Service, such as minor illness consultations with a pharmacist and the supply of urgent medicines and appliances following a referral from NHS 111, general practices and other authorised healthcare providers, meaning that patients are not able to present to the pharmacy without a referral.
Greater Manchester Primary Care Provider Board will provide further supporting information and guidance on Greater Manchester engagement and delivery plans as soon as they are available. Please check this page for regular updates.
For further information, visit the Community Pharmacy England website and NHS England website.
Resources for general practice
Community Pharmacy advanced service specification.
Briefing for Local Medical Committees (LMCs) and general practice.
Launch of NHS Pharmacy First advanced service
NHSE Pharmacy First Guidance for care navigators and receptionists
NHSE North West Pharmacy First GP support pack letter
NHSE North West Pharmacy First explainer for general practice teams
Pharmacy First referral criteria
Pharmacy First referral quick reference guide
Pharmacy First: Information for GPs – Community Pharmacy England. The page contains an infographic and animation explaining more about the service.
Clinical pathways
Pharmacy First clinical pathways
| 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 to 64 |
