Pharmacy First: Supporting a service-led future in community pharmacy

The Pharmacy First Initiative The challenges facing the NHS Primary care is under considerable pressure as it continues to manage a growing demand for patient care. In a bid to solve this issue and help build capacity across healthcare services. NHS England proposed a Pharmacy First scheme, in line with the Primary Care Access Recovery Plan (PCARP), to redirect workloads away from primary care teams into community pharmacy. Overview From 31st January 2024, the Pharmacy First scheme will offer patients direct access to essential healthcare services through their local pharmacy. The Pharmacy First scheme will now include urgent repeat medication supply and referrals for minor illnesses, which previously fell under the Community Pharmacist Consultation Service (CPCS).

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