Page 21 - P4304.1-V96_PS-Magazine-April 2024

Obviously, this refocussing has required its own plan
and investment hence the Pharmacy First Scheme and
the £645 million investment to support community
pharmacy services over the next two years.
So, what does the planned role look like? Well, I see
this as two-fold really. There is the expansion of some
of the activities already introduced in 2023 such
as the oral contraceptive service and BP detection
service and then there is the Pharmacy First plan,
launched January 2024. Between these three services
they are expected to eventually save up to 10 million
appointments in general practice a year.
So, what additional services will Pharmacy First
actually offer to our patients?
Pharmacy First will enable pharmacists to supply
POMs (Prescription Only Medicine), including
antibiotics and antivirals, where clinically appropriate,
to treat seven common ailments:

Sinusitis
Impetigo

Sore Throat
Earache Shingles

Urinary Tract
Infections
in Women
Insect Bites

Consultations for these seven clinical pathways can be provided
to patients presenting to the pharmacy as well as those referred
by NHS 111, general practices and others.
I know there has been much talk about how this will affect
things like antimicrobial stewardship and inappropriate use
of antibiotics, but I think we should not be such doubting
Thomases. All these consultations are robustly supported by
clear clinical pathways, eligibility criteria and PGDs. In other
words, there are strict rules in place and the pharmacists will
be trained to check they understand their responsibilities here.
It should also be noted that the consultation fee is paid to the
Pharmacy, regardless of there being an antibiotic supplied or not.

21
or call us on 01904 558 350 Pharmacy First | PS Magazine 21