The NHS Pharmacy First scheme is being expanded so pharmacists can treat five more common conditions, allowing patients to skip the wait for a GP appointment and receive free NHS consultations and treatment.
From this autumn, as part of a phased rollout, people will be able to get help and treatment for acne, migraines, scabies, certain ear infections and allergic rhinitis from participating pharmacies. The scheme already covers impetigo, infected insect bites, shingles, sinusitis, one type of ear infection, sore throats and urinary tract infections.
12 conditions now covered
Under the NHS England Pharmacy First scheme, pharmacists can assess and directly treat 12 common conditions (originally 7, with 5 new conditions added) without requiring a GP appointment. Pharmacists can prescribe prescription-only medications, including antibiotics and antivirals, where clinically appropriate.
The original 7 conditions are: uncomplicated urinary tract infections (UTIs) in women aged 16–64; sore throats and tonsillitis in those aged 5 and over; earaches (acute otitis media) in those aged 1 to 17; sinusitis in those aged 12 and over; shingles in those aged 18 and over; impetigo in those aged 1 and over; and infected insect bites in those aged 1 and over.
Five new conditions added
The 5 newly added conditions are: low-frequency episodic migraine (adults); mild to moderate acne (young people and adults); acute otitis externa (outer ear infections in adults); seasonal allergic rhinitis or hay fever (children); and scabies and mild skin infections.
Once fully rolled out, the NHS expects between two and three million consultations for the new list of conditions could be held in pharmacies.
Official reaction
Dr Amanda Doyle, national director for primary care and community services at NHS England, said: “Thanks to community pharmacy teams, millions of people have received treatment for common conditions quickly and conveniently on their local high streets with the NHS determined to make it as easy as possible for people to get help.
“As the NHS steps up winter preparations, we want to make sure that patients can get as much support as possible in their communities, so they do not have to be admitted to hospital unnecessarily. That’s why participating pharmacies will start offering help for new common conditions such as acne, migraines and ear infections – without needing to get a GP appointment first – so they’re freed up for people who need them most in the colder months.”
Prime Minister Andy Burnham said: “People are fed up with the scramble for routine appointments. They want help when they need it, close to home. That’s exactly what this delivers – no more taking time off work or waiting hours to get seen.
“For five more common conditions, you’ll be able to walk into your local pharmacy and get treated on the spot. This is change families will feel in their day to day as we build a better Britain.
“Treating people closer to home means catching problems earlier, easing pressure on GPs and A&E, and giving people back precious time.”
How to access the scheme
The devolved nations have equivalent schemes. Scotland runs NHS Pharmacy First Scotland, Wales runs the Common Ailments Scheme, and Northern Ireland offers the Pharmacy First service locally for minor ailments.
In England, anyone registered with an NHS GP practice is eligible for the scheme, provided they fall within the specific age bracket for the condition being treated. The consultation itself is free for everyone, though standard NHS prescription charges apply to any dispensed medications unless the patient is normally exempt.
To access the system, walk directly into almost any community pharmacy in England (over 95% participate) and request a Pharmacy First consultation. Patients can also be formally directed to the service by their GP receptionist, NHS 111, or emergency and urgent care providers. The pharmacist will assess symptoms in a private consultation room and, if treatment is appropriate, prescribe medication on the spot and automatically send a summary note to the GP to keep the medical record updated. If the condition is too complex or out of scope, the pharmacist will refer the patient directly back to their GP or an urgent treatment centre.
