When you call the practice for an appointment, if your condition can be managed by a Clinical Pharmacist, you will be referred to the Pharmacy First Scheme. You will receive a call from the pharmacist (usually within an hour of being referred) to arrange an appointment with you (usually the same day).
Appointments can be either face to face or over the telephone.
This service also enables Community Clinical Pharmacists to consult with patients who have certain conditions and to supply some prescription medications, where clinically appropriate under the guidance of a PGD (Patient Group Directive). This service is often quicker than waiting for a GP appointment, completely free and confidential.
Pharmacy First Q&A’s
What conditions can the Clinical Pharmacist treat?
Bites and stings
Cold and flu symptoms
Congestion (blocked runny nose, hay fever, excess mucus)
Ears (Wax, blocked)
Eyes (conjunctivitis, dry, runny, or sore eyes)
Gastric (Bowel issue, constipation, heartburn, indigestion, haemorrhoids, and vomiting)
General muscular pain (sprains and strains)
Skin conditions (ache, athletes foot, rashes, warts, verruca’s)
Mouth and throat conditions (cold sores, ulcers, sore throat)
There is also an additional list of some new conditions that Pharmacy First can now prescribe for :
| Clinical Pathway | Age Criteria |
| Uncomplicated UTI | 16-64 years |
| Shingles | 18 years and over |
| Impetigo | 1 year and older |
| Infected insect bites | 1 year and older |
| Sinusitis | 12 years and over |
| Sore throat | 5 years and over |
| Acute Otitis media | 1-17 years |
What conditions are not suitable to be referred to Pharmacy First?
- Children under the age of one year
- Immunosuppressed patients
- Severe Symptoms
- Pregnant patients
- Symptoms or conditions that have lasted for more than 3 weeks.
- Conditions that have not responded to over-the-counter medication.
- For UTI criteria age between 16-64 not pregnant diabetic or had antibiotics in the last 3 week. Males excluded you will need to contact Castle Medical Group to speak to a GP.
What happens when I am referred to Pharmacy First
The referral from the GP practice will share details with the Clinical Pharmacist about your minor illness.
The pharmacist will contact you, usually within 1 hour following your referral. The pharmacist will then arrange either a a face-to-face, telephone or web cam consultation with you. Your consultation will usually happen on the same day that you were referred, however the pharmacist will advise if this is not possible.
You will be asked about your medical history and current symptoms in the same way which a GP practice clinician would ask about them.
The pharmacist will then provide you with advice and prescribe medication to you should they feel it is appropriate.
What happens if Pharmacy First cannot treat my Illness?
If the Clinical Pharmacist feels that you need to be seen by your GP practice urgently then they will call or send the referral back to us to ensure that you are seen. You may also be referred to us to arrange a non-urgent follow up appointment with a GP practice clinician.