Pharmacy First consultations up by 60% as winter illnesses bite

New data released by NHS England have shown an increase of over 60% in the number of people using the Pharmacy First scheme in Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes over the last three months.

The service – introduced last January in the majority of community pharmacies – enables pharmacists to supply prescription-only medicines, including antibiotics and antivirals where clinically appropriate, to treat seven common health conditions without the need for patients to get a GP appointment or prescription.

Figures issued by NHS England this week show that over 7,200 people in Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes sought a Pharmacy First consultation in December 2024, up from 4,500 in October.

The conditions covered by the Pharmacy First scheme are:

• sinusitis;
• sore throat;
• earache;
• infected insect bites;
• impetigo;
• shingles;
• uncomplicated urinary tract infections (in women aged 65 and under).

Nicky Poulain, chief primary care officer at Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes Integrated Care Board, said:

“These new figures show that local people are really starting to get used to the Pharmacy First scheme, and are recognising that it’s a great way to get the treatment they need from our team of dedicated NHS pharmacists, who are the experts on the local high street.

“Even before Pharmacy First was introduced, community pharmacies played a vital role in keeping their local communities healthy and well, with over 200,000 people supported each month when they start new medicines.

“Pharmacists and their staff provide can offer advice and treatment when you need it urgently.  Many pharmacies are open from morning till night and offer private consulting areas where you can seek advice for all sorts of conditions, not just those covered by the Pharmacy First scheme.”

For more information about Pharmacy First and the conditions which can be treated by your local pharmacist, please visit the NHS website.