Column: Think Pharmacy First as service reaches anniversary

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Friday, January 31 marks one year since the launch of Pharmacy First, the service that can provide treatment for seven common health conditions in pharmacies, without needing to see a GP, writes Imran Mohammed, director and superintendent pharmacist at Orchard Pharmacy, Mansfield.

Pharmacy First was introduced as part of the NHS’s drive to improve access to primary care.

It is here to provide convenient access to NHS treatment, if required, whilst also relieving the pressure on GP practice teams.

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I am proud that we are one of over 200 local community pharmacies in Nottingham and Nottinghamshire providing Pharmacy First services, meaning we are now the first place for people to turn for: earache (aged one to 17 years); impetigo (aged 1 year and over); infected insect bites (aged one year and over); shingles (aged 18 years and over); sinusitis (aged 12 years and over); sore throat (aged five years and over);

Guest columnist Imran Mohammed is director and superintendent pharmacist at Orchard Pharmacy, Stockwell Gate, Mansfield, Notts.Guest columnist Imran Mohammed is director and superintendent pharmacist at Orchard Pharmacy, Stockwell Gate, Mansfield, Notts.
Guest columnist Imran Mohammed is director and superintendent pharmacist at Orchard Pharmacy, Stockwell Gate, Mansfield, Notts.

urinary tract infections or UTIs (women aged 16 to 64 years).

If it’s needed, you can get NHS treatment from a pharmacist through Pharmacy First simply by walking into a participating pharmacy, no appointment is needed, or you may be referred to us by a GP practice.

Patients are seen in a private consultation room at the pharmacy or via video link if they access an internet pharmacy.

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Once you’ve been assessed, if it’s appropriate, the pharmacist can provide NHS prescription medicines for these conditions, for free or for a NHS prescription charge, depending upon whether you have a right to free NHS prescriptions.

"It is very rewarding for me to know that we are making a difference in the community and allowing more precious GP time to focus on patients with more complex conditions. Think Pharmacy First", says Imran Mohammed."It is very rewarding for me to know that we are making a difference in the community and allowing more precious GP time to focus on patients with more complex conditions. Think Pharmacy First", says Imran Mohammed.
"It is very rewarding for me to know that we are making a difference in the community and allowing more precious GP time to focus on patients with more complex conditions. Think Pharmacy First", says Imran Mohammed.

Alternatively, if we think you need to be seen by a GP or other healthcare service, we can refer you on to get the care that you need.

Here at the Orchard Pharmacy in Mansfield, we’ve carried out over 1,100 Pharmacy First consultations since the service was launched.

Our pharmacists can have up to three consultations an hour and the patients have told us they are very satisfied with the service provided as they appreciate the role of the community pharmacy being able to combat minor acute conditions.

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It is very rewarding for me to know that we are making a difference in the community and allowing more precious GP time to focus on patients with more complex conditions.

More information about Pharmacy First is available at www.notts.icb.nhs.uk/your- services/community-pharmacy

Think Pharmacy First.

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