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Since launching in January 2024, Privacy concerns
Pharmacy First has made a significant
impact, with most community While most people are comfortable
pharmacies in England on board and discussing their health concerns with
over 2.7 million consultations for the pharmacists, a minority are not. One
seven clinical pathways completed. in ten people feel uncomfortable
Impressively, only around 8% of people due to privacy concerns, especially
using Pharmacy First needed a referral not wanting to discuss symptoms
back to their GP. in front of others and the lack of
private consultation spaces. Local
Pharmacists have quickly proven the Healthwatch teams also observed
vital role they can play in providing variation in the quality of consultation
quick patient care and easing the load rooms, with some pharmacies using
on GPs. So yes, there is a strong case screens rather than private rooms,
for expanding Pharmacy First, but and others lacking accessibility for
challenges remain. wheelchair users.
Variations in awareness and use Terminology
The first issue is regional disparities People also reported confusion
in the uptake and awareness around medical terminology in the
of Pharmacy First. For instance, list of common conditions that
Londoners who participated in our could be treated, struggling to
research were 60% more likely to understand terms like “impetigo” or
report using services for conditions to distinguish between “complicated”
covered by the Pharmacy First and “uncomplicated” urinary tract
program than those in Eastern infections. This confusion can lead to
England. Local Healthwatch teams unclear expectations of the support
also reported varying public awareness available and dissatisfaction with the
of Pharmacy First, ranging from 39% service provided.
in Halton, Runcorn to 72% in Stockton- Our recommendations
on-Tee, County Durham. to Government
Low levels of awareness of how
Pharmacy First can help are Pharmacy First’s first year shows clear
particularly acute amongst the promise. But unlocking its full potential
potentially most hesitant. Nearly hinges on overcoming access barriers
three in ten (29%) who said they were and improving public awareness.
unlikely to use a pharmacy for the Healthwatch England is calling for:
seven conditions were not aware that
pharmacies can provide treatment and 1. Clear public guidance on
advice for them. what to do if medication
Problems getting medication is unavailable.
More troubling, medicine shortages 2. Greater flexibility for
highlighted in our 2024 report pharmacists to safely substitute
‘Pharmacy: What people want’ medicines with patient consent.
remain unresolved, with one in four 3. A national awareness campaign
patients (23%) still unable to get to improve understanding
their medication due to stock issues. of what support is available and
Beyond supply shortages, nearly to increase uptake.
half of the people told us they had
experienced problems getting their 4. Support for pharmacy
medication, with reported issues with teams, including funding and
prescription delays, errors, affordability, improved premises.
and services being closed all 5. Expansion of the scheme
increasing. People tell us these issues to cover more conditions based
frustrate them and could put them off on public need.
using additional pharmacy services.
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P4403.59-V68_Numark Pharmacy Magazine_September 25 6000th member cover 2.indd 15 11/08/2025 13:51:13
