Pharmacy First Services - Northern Ireland
Pharmacists are trained to deal with common conditions; offering advice, recommending over-the-counter products or if appropriate referring patients to other healthcare professionals – although many people still consult with their GP on conditions that could be dealt with effectively by community pharmacy.
The Pharmacy First Services (PFS) has been developed to encourage patients to use their pharmacies more effectively to manage a defined list of common conditions.
There are currently three Pharmacy First Services in operation in Northern Ireland
Pharmacy First Everyday Health Conditions
From March 2022 the Minor Ailments Scheme will be renamed as Pharmacy First for Everyday Conditions. Patients are encouraged to see their community pharmacist first for advice and treatment for the 13 conditions currently available under the service.
Pharmacy First Emergency Hormonal Contraception
The aim of the service is to provide, where clinically appropriate, EHC in circumstances where potential failure of regular contraceptive method is recognised, or unprotected sexual intercourse (UPSI) has taken place. If appropriate, e.g. the individual is not on regular contraception and is likely to engage in further sexual activity, the pharmacist can also supply ‘bridging contraception’ until the woman or young person has an opportunity to attend their GP/specialist clinic to arrange further supply.
Pharmacy First Uncomplicated UTIs in Women
This service facilitates the assessment and treatment of women aged 16-64 years presenting with symptoms of UTI in the community pharmacy in line the NI Management of Infection guidelines and with Public Health England UTI Diagnostic Quick reference tool. Following an initial assessment and urine dipstick testing may be supplied with analgesics and/or antibiotics.
Pharmacy First Sore Throat (Pilot Service)
This pilot allows pharmacies to offer a service to patients aged 5 years and over to provide a timely and appropriate treatment for sore throats in community pharmacies or identify those who need onward referral to another healthcare professional. Following an initial assessment patients may be provided with analgesics and/or antibiotics