Page 18 - P4403.59-V50_Numark Magazine April 24

PHARMACY

FIRST

EVOLUTION

LEARNING FROM

SCOTLAND'S SUCCESS

The success of the NHS Pharmacy First Scotland service,
launched in 2020, has become an integral part of Scotland's
healthcare landscape, ensuring equal access to a broad range of
medicines for all. As Pharmacy First England and similar services
emerge in other countries, there is a valuable opportunity to gain
insights from the Scottish model.

While it is important to understand there are differences between
the services, there’s a lot that can be learnt from the Scottish
service.

Expertise in minor health concerns:

Scotland's pharmacists, with their expertise in managing minor
SCOTLAND
health concerns ranging from acne to hay fever, have set a
benchmark for comprehensive patient care. By studying their
approach, England and other countries can refine their services
to cover a broader spectrum of minor health issues, enhancing
the overall quality of care provided.
Eligibility and equality of access:

Understanding the eligibility criteria in the Scottish service, which
prioritises residents and those registered with a GP practice,
provides valuable lessons for structuring inclusive services.
England and other nations can evaluate their eligibility criteria to
ensure that everyone, regardless of their background or residence
status, has access to essential healthcare services.

Comparing conditions covered:

The comparison of conditions covered by Patient Group
Directions (PGDs) in Scotland and England highlights potential
areas for improvement or expansion. Exploring conditions like
hay fever not covered in the English service could present
an opportunity for enhancing the scope of services in other
countries. We have outlined a table examining the conditions
covered by PGD’s in both NHS Pharmacy First Scotland and NHS
Pharmacy First in England:

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