Introducing the English Pharmacy First Service
Introducing the English Pharmacy First Service, launched on January 31, 2024, to make healthcare easily accessible for you. This service allows you to manage and treat common conditions without the need to see your GP. Check out the list below:
- Sinusitis
- Sore throat
- Shingles
- Acute otitis media
- Infected insect bites
- Impetigo
- Uncomplicated urinary tract infection (UTI) in women
Wondering how Pharmacy First works? It's simple! If you're feeling unwell with any of the listed common illnesses, you can access the service in two ways:
- Visit your local participating pharmacy, like Dennis Gore Chemists in Prestwich. A pharmacist will see you and provide a private consultation.
- No appointment needed! Most pharmacies have a private consultation room where you can discuss your concerns with pharmacy staff discreetly.
Living in Greater Manchester? Good news! Residents within Wigan, Bury, Manchester, Rochdale, and Trafford can access the service for free if they meet the financial eligibility criteria outlined by the Greater Manchester Medicines Management Group (GMMMG).
Locality areas following the below eligibility criteria are Wigan, Bury, Manchester, Rochdale, Trafford only
- Individuals named on a current HC2 charges certificate
- Individual or their partner receives Income Support, Income based Job seekers Allowance or Income related Employment and Support allowance, or the person is a young person under the age of 20 who is dependent on someone receiving those benefits.
- Universal Credit where entitlement to free prescriptions is stated on the Universal Credit award notice.
The service can be accessed free at the point of use by residents registered with a GP Practice within the Salford, Stockport and Tameside area only, who are eligible to claim an exemption from NHS Prescription charges.
The service is available free of charge to those in Salford, Stockport, and Tameside areas. Check if you meet the exemption criteria, including being under 16, in full-time education, 60 years or over, or having a valid exemption certificate.
Only Salford, Stockport and Tameside locality area are using the exemption criteria below
- is under 16 years of age
- is 16, 17 or 18 and in full-time education
- is 60 years of age or over
- has a valid maternity exemption certificate
- has a valid medical exemption certificate
- has a valid prescription exemption certificate issued by Ministry of Defence
- is named on current HC2 charges certificate
- gets Income Support or income related ESA
- gets income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
- is entitled or named on valid NHS Tax Credit Exemption certificate
- receives Pension Credit Guarantee Credit (including partners)
- Universal Credit and meets the criteria. Find out more at www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/UC
What are red light symptoms?
Concerned about red flag symptoms indicating a serious illness, such as sepsis? Look out for confusion, raised respiratory rate/breathlessness, raised heart rate, drop in blood pressure, or rapid and significant worsening of symptoms. If you notice any red flag symptoms, seek emergency help by calling 999 or heading to A&E.
Pharmacy First is here to provide accessible and convenient healthcare without the need for a doctor's appointment. Just visit your local participating pharmacy, and a pharmacist will be ready to assist you with a private consultation. Stay healthy!