Pharmacy First Service Survey launched by ECS

The Pharmacy First scheme was launched by the government and NHS England on 31 January 2024 to give patients quick and accessible care and ease pressure on GP services. Pharmacy First builds on previous service provision under the Community Pharmacist Consultation Service (CPCS) and enables the public to access community pharmacies and be provided with advice, prescription medication or referral to another healthcare professional by a pharmacist. There are seven common conditions that community pharmacists are now able to provide prescription medication directly to patients for when appropriate as well as the services that were provided under the previous CPCS.   

The new service can be accessed directly as a walk-in to a participating pharmacy where they can offer an appointment or see people immediately depending on service capacity. The public can also be referred to a pharmacist by GP practices; NHS 111; Urgent or Emergency care; or ambulance services.   

The aim behind the new service is to free up 10 million GP appointments a year, enabling GPs to concentrate resources on more serious ailments and the care of people with long term conditions.   

As a provider of local Healthwatch, ECS are undertaking a project across all seven of our local Healthwatch to understand public awareness and take up of the service as well as their experiences of using the new service.   

The survey can be accessed here  https://engagingcommunities.welcomesyourfeedback.net/e4ru06 

and will be open until 1st July 2024.