Summary
Preparations are underway for the launch of a new national Pharmacy First service on 31 January, 2024.
Clinical training and engagement sessions for general practice and community pharmacies are planned throughout January, with the majority of pharmacies signed up to the service.
Community pharmacies in Greater Manchester are preparing to launch the new national Pharmacy First service on Wednesday 31 January.
Around 90 per cent of pharmacies across the city region have signed up to deliver the service, which will enable them to provide advice and NHS-funded treatment, where appropriate, for seven common conditions:
- sinusitis
- sore throat
- earache
- infected insect bite
- impetigo
- shingles
- 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 others.
The service will also incorporate the existing elements of the Community Pharmacist Consultation Service, which includes minor illness consultations with a pharmacist and the supply of urgent medicines and appliances, both following a referral from NHS 111, general practices and other authorised healthcare providers. This means patients are not able to present to the pharmacy without a referral.
The arrangements are part of the Delivery plan for recovering access to primary care.
As part of the preparations, all delivery, operational rollout plans and engagement sessions with GPs, Local Medical Committees (LMCs) and NHS GM will take place between now and the launch date.
A briefing note has been circulated to all GM GP practices and a drop-in session for general practice was well-attended on Wednesday 17 January with a further session planned for Thursday 25 January: MS Teams joining link
Free clinical training for GM pharmacies is available throughout January.
Further information, including the service specification and clinical protocols can be found on the Community Pharmacy England website.
