Pharmacy First
Pharmacy First Explained
Pharmacy First officially replaced the Community Pharmacy Consultation Service (CPCS) on 31st January 2024, building on the strong foundations of CPCS. Originally launched with NHS 111 referrals in 2019, CPCS was expanded to include GP referrals in November 2020. Pharmacy First now brings new clinical capability and structure to the community pharmacy offer.
Three Core Elements of Pharmacy First
The service is made up of three integrated components:
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Pharmacy First: Clinical Pathways (New)
Enables community pharmacists to clinically assess and treat seven common conditions, including the ability to supply certain Prescription Only Medicines (POMs) where appropriate under Patient Group Directions (PGDs). -
Pharmacy First: Urgent Repeat Medicine Supply (Previously CPCS)
Allows pharmacists to supply urgent repeat medication to patients referred by NHS 111 or other NHS services, where appropriate. -
Pharmacy First: NHS Referrals for Minor Illness (Previously CPCS)
Allows referral of patients with minor illness from NHS 111, GP practices, and other NHS services for advice and treatment.
The seven conditions are:
* Distance Selling Pharmacies do not complete consultations for Acute Otitis Media.
These pathways include structured clinical protocols and the supply of specific POMs under PGDs, improving access and reducing GP pressures.
Pharmacy First strengthens the role of community pharmacy as the first contact point for healthcare, expanding the scope of services and enabling pharmacists to deliver faster, high-quality care directly to patients.
Good communications and local team working are central to delivering such multi-disciplinary services, so Community Pharmacy Leicestershire and Rutland has prepared resources to support and facilitate local service delivery:
GP Practice and Reception Team Support Resources
Multifactor Authentication (for Locum Pharmacists)