Community pharmacists have always been a first port of call for healthcare advice. Through the recently launched Pharmacy First service in England, they are now able to provide you with advice and medicines for seven common conditions if you visit the pharmacy without an appointment, or after a referral from a GP or NHS 111.
This article was included in issue 101 (Summer 2024) of The Menopause Exchange newsletter.
Seven conditions
The Pharmacy First NHS-funded service covers the following conditions:
• sinusitis
• sore throat
• earache (otitis media) in children
• infected insect bites
• impetigo
• shingles
• uncomplicated urine infections in women
This accessible and convenient service will enable you to seek medical help more quickly, therefore freeing up GP appointments for urgent cases. Community pharmacists are clinically trained healthcare professionals with expert knowledge of medicines and self-care. The Pharmacy First service has incorporated this experience with further clinical training for the pharmacists carrying out this service.
Following the consultation with a pharmacist, you may be given appropriate prescribed medicines, self-care advice and/or over-the-counter medicines, or will be referred to your GP or emergency services, if necessary. The pharmacist may give you a leaflet about managing the condition effectively, and what to do if your symptoms get worse. A prescription charge will need to be paid if you’re prescribed a medicine and aren’t exempt from the charges. Following the consultation, a report will be sent to your GP with the details and outcome of the consultation for your medical records.
Sinusitis
Acute sinusitis is usually caused by a viral infection and rarely develops into a bacterial infection. The pharmacist will discuss the length of your symptoms and any associated pain or fever. If you have any serious underlying symptoms, you’ll be referred to A&E or emergency services.
The pharmacist may offer you some self-care advice and recommend some pain relief. They may also prescribe steroid nasal sprays or oral antibiotics, after you’ve been assessed for any history of allergies. You’ll be advised to contact your GP or other medical services if your symptoms don’t improve after using the recommended medicines.
Sore throat
The pharmacist will assess you for any fever, infected tonsillitis and a history of cough, and ask about the length of your symptoms and whether you have any underlying illnesses. It may also be necessary for the pharmacist to look down your throat for suspected infected tonsils.
Based on your symptoms, the pharmacist may advise self-care, over-the-counter medicines or prescribe appropriate antibiotics, with a check for any allergies first. If your symptoms rapidly get worse, you’ll be advised to seek advice from your GP or other medical services.
Earache (otitis media)
Although this particular service is only suitable for children aged 1 year to 17 years, since otitis media (middle ear infection) mostly affects children, it’s useful to understand how the service works for eligible family members. As with all of the seven conditions, children need to be taken to A&E or other medical services if there’s a rapid deterioration or any serious illness.
The pharmacist will use an otoscope to check the inside of the ears for any inflammation or apparent infection. Following the assessment, self-care advice and/or over-the-counter medicines may be recommended. You may be advised to use ear drops, or the pharmacist will prescribe antibiotics, after a history of allergy has been ruled out.
Infected Insect Bites
Any insect bites can be assessed for infection. Most skin reactions are due to an allergic response, so simple self-care and over-the-counter medicines can usually provide effective relief. In cases of infections, antibiotics may be prescribed after a clinical assessment. Referral to a doctor may be suggested if there is no improvement, a severe allergic reaction or a serious underlying condition.
Impetigo
A pharmacist can assess non-bullous impetigo (impetigo where blisters aren’t present) and may prescribe an appropriate cream or antibiotics, if appropriate. Any worsening of symptoms may require onward referral to a GP or other services. Patients will be advised on good hygiene to avoid spread of the impetigo.
Shingles
This service is for anyone over 18 years. Shingles are diagnosed from the rashes, pain and blisters on the skin. Once shingles is confirmed, any rapid deterioration or underlying serious conditions would require further referral. If appropriate, antivirals may be prescribed, with crucial advice on dose frequency. Pain medicines can be sold by the pharmacist to ease the discomfort of the shingles. Eligible patients will also be recommended to have the shingles vaccine after they’ve recovered from shingles.
Uncomplicated urine infections
This service is suitable for women aged over 16 and under 64. After diagnosing the signs and symptoms of a urinary tract infection, the pharmacist may advise on self-care, over-the-counter medicines or prescribe antibiotics. Referral to a GP will be suggested if the symptoms don’t improve with pharmacy treatment.
About the author
Lila Thakerar, superintendent pharmacist at Shaftesbury Pharmacy in Harrow, received an MBE in 2012 for Services to the Community. She is also a winner of the National Business Awards.
Created Summer 2024
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