Promotion of the Pharmacy First Scheme

With increasing strain on GP Practice appointments, sometimes the option can be to visit your local pharmacy under the NHS (Government) Pharmacy first Scheme.  Pharmacies are paid to see certain conditions as described via the link.  https://bit.ly/4rQjxDV   We are not being deliberately obstructive, this is a scheme utilising other skilled staff other than the GP so the GP can focus on the complex and complicated patient and minor illnesses can be treated by a person other than the GP.  Part 2 in next message.

As a first line response this is the right process.  If the pharmacy treatment doesn’t work then we will re-assess within the GP Practice.  Help us to reduce the demand for appointments and the burden on the GP Practice.  We are all in the NHS to help but you do not have to be seen by the GP in the first instance.