Pharmacy First
Pharmacy First is currently commissioned by NHS Leeds CCG. The service is commissioned to help release capacity in general practice by providing an appropriate alternative for the treatment of minor ailments.
To be eligible for Pharmacy First patients must:
- Be present – this requirement now temporarily waived in response to COVID-19.
- Be currently suffering from one of the minor ailments included in the service – e.g. the service MUST NOT be used to supply medicines for “just in case” use.
- Be exempt from prescription charges – remember to check this in case you need to complete the declaration on behalf of the patient.
- Consent to share details with their GP – without this consent the patient cannot access Pharmacy First.
- Be registered with a Leeds GP practice.
COVID-19 Update:
The face to face requirement for Pharmacy First patients has been temporarily lifted during the COVID-19 pandemic and a telephone consultation can be undertaken if that is clinically appropriate for the individual and their presenting condition. Pharmacists providing a telephone consultation should assess the patient’s condition using the same structured approach that they would usually apply, including identifying any concurrent medication or medical conditions which may affect the treatment of the patient and ensuring that any relevant red flag symptoms are recognised and responded to. The consultation must be recorded onto PharmOutcomes as per the usual process for face to face consultations.
NHS Leeds CCG Pharmacy First Service
NHS Leeds CCG has confirmed that Pharmacy First is to continue until 31st March 2023.
Please see the service specification and updated formulary below. (Please note that a number of new items have been added to the Pharmacy First formulary for 2022/23).
The 2022/23 service specification and updated formulary are listed below.
Leeds Service Specification 2022/23
Leeds Formulary – February 2023
Leeds Consultation Form – 2022
Pharmacy First Variation Agreement (1st April 2022 – 31st March 2023)
Claims for this service are processed via PharmOutcomes.
For any Leeds pharmacies wanting to provide Pharmacy First, please email info@cpwy.org.
Bulletins
Leeds Pharmacy First Bulletin – February 2019
Resources
Antibiotic Leaflet with Images
Caring for Children with Coughs Leaflet
Self-Care Guide to Help You Treat Your Infection
Patient.co.uk – Health information leaflets
Treat Yourself Better website – Not available as a leaflet but patients can be signposted to the website.
http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Pages/hub.aspx
http://www.whenshouldiworry.com/view-booklet.php
To support pharmacy teams in managing minor illnesses, including identifying red flag symptoms, PSNC has compiled a one-stop resource hub linking to the most up to date clinic resources on managing minor illnesses. See Minor Illnesses Resource Hub.
If you have any queries about the Pharmacy First service, please contact Lisa Meeks by emailing lisa@cpwy.org.
Last Updated: 2nd February 2023
