The end of January marked a year since the Pharmacy First service was launched in the United Kingdom, and polling undertaken by YouGov confirms the satisfaction seen by the people who attended over 2m consultations during the first 12 months of the service.

According to the study by YouGov published in The Independent, 78 per cent of those surveyed want Pharmacy First to be allowed to provide additional prescription treatment for conditions outside of the current seven.

This highlights the vital importance of Pharmacy First and the network of pharmacies which make it possible, and links into larger plans to bring healthcare closer to where people live.

Pharmacists are keen to treat more conditions, and people have found it useful to receive treatment outside of working hours, reducing time spent off work, and the benefits to the healthcare world as a whole could be significant.

Will it happen, and what treatments are likely to be included in any expansion?

What Is Pharmacy First?

Launched in January 2024, Pharmacy First was an extension of the community pharmacist service, which allowed specially trained pharmacists to provide treatments for minor illnesses or approve urgent repeat prescriptions.

The Pharmacy First service took this a step further and allowed community pharmacists to treat seven common conditions completely, allowing people who would otherwise have to wait for a GP’s appointment to receive the care they need now.

These include:

People who need treatment can be referred to a community pharmacy for treatment by a GP, urgent care services or the NHS 111 service.

They can provide advice, self-care and some prescription medicines according to a strict clinical pathway undertaken by a trained community pharmacist. They can also refer you to another doctor, specialist or hospital if they spot any red-flag symptoms.

It has been overwhelmingly supported, and people who have accessed Pharmacy First services have found it a helpful lifeline, particularly during times when a pharmacy is open but a GP’s office would ordinarily be closed.

Which Treatments Could Pharmacists Treat In Future?

The will is there for pharmacists and the desire is there from patients for more treatments to be provided, but it would require some approvals for this to happen.

The YouGov survey itself suggested that any potential expansion of Pharmacy First could include treatments for chest infections and skin conditions, although it was not specific about which ones.

Many pharmacists provide advice and over-the-counter medication for viral chest infections since they eventually clear up on their own and treatment focuses on easing symptoms. An expansion of Pharmacy First might allow for the prescription of antibiotics for bacterial chest infections.

A dermatology service would help to soothe fears and ensure that people with skin conditions receive the treatment they need quickly, either directly by the pharmacy or via referral to a specialist.

Other conditions that have been suggested include eye infections, migraines and conditions linked to other parts of the healthcare system, such as toothache and lower back pain.