Pharmacy Support Resources
We strongly recommend pharmacists look at the service delivery process before commencing their reading and clinical study. This advice compares with having sight of a practical exam question before taking the exam. Simply knowing the key clinical issues arising in service delivery will give pharmacists a helpful focus when studying the associated clinical material & PGDs!
Therefore watch this Pharmacy First delivery video from PharmOutcomes which goes step-by-step through the screenshots of the service delivery process.
Pharmacists will be reassured by the extent of clinical prompting provided, for example, the relevant gateway flow diagram is on the screen and all of the clinical exclusions are listed. The key message here is one of reassurance; that pharmacists don’t need a photographic memory in order to provide a very thorough service!
Explaining Pharmacy First to Surgery Reception Teams
We have produced a short video summary designed to introduce Pharmacy First to surgery Reception Teams
Pharmacists and pharmacy teams can also access copies of the slides and an outline script from our Service Support team which will assist with delivering local surgery Reception Team training designed to increase confidence in making referrals into Pharmacy First.
Also see downloadable resources
Pharmacy First Guidance for Minor Ailments
Pharmacy First Referral Guidance for Seven Clinical Conditions
Pharmacists should offer copies of these tools to local surgeries to support discussions with Practice & Reception Managers.
It is recommended to leave a pair of copies, one for each receptionist workstation, ideally laminated.
NB: This video and resources are also very good for explaining the service to pharmacy team colleagues.
Regional & National updates for Pharmacy First Providers
Provider Assurance & Post Payment Verification (January 2025)
NHS England has requested the Provider Assurance Team (PAT) to undertake a programme of Post Payment Verification activities with the pharmacies with the highest numbers of claims that do not appear to be in accordance with the service specification. This engagement will commence later this month. See link below.
PPV and Outside Service Specification Education Comms
Supporting local LLR GP Practices to make electronic referrals
Many LLR GP Practices have struggled with installing the PharmRefer app which supports transmission of electronic referrals into PharmOutcomes “Service” inboxes.
The problem was made worse by the application requirement for multifactor authentication.
In response, we Community Pharmacy Leicestershire and Rutland, LLR ICB & Leicestershire Health Informatics Service (LHIS) have partnered to resolve these problems.
Practices can now request this tech support directly from LHIS, whilst we will support training of Reception Teams on making appropriate referrals and myth-busting, and also liaise with pharmacy contractors local to the surgery so they are ready to receive a step-up volume of electronic pharmacy first referrals.
Pharmacy First Payment Thresholds
- £500 for those providing 20-29 Clinical pathways consultations within a month; and
- £1,000 for those pharmacies that provide 30 or more Clinical pathways consultations within a month
- Pharmacy owners will need to claim for them within one month from the end of the month in which they were provided.