Pharmacy First Services - Northern Ireland
The service was launched to provide accessible care to patients though the management and treatment under the PGD for the conditions listed below:
- Everyday health conditions.
- Emergency hormonal contraception.
- Uncomplicated UTI’s in women.
- Shingles
Benefits
With increased pressure on General Practitioners, and patients are unable to have access to same-day appointments. Pharmacies now have a service to support the rise in demand. Eases pressure on the NHS as well as the pressures on GPs.
Eligibility
This service is available to all patients over the age of three months and are registered with a GP in Northern Ireland.
Service support
Everyday health conditions
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The following 13 conditions are supported through pharmacy first:
| Acne vulgaris | Vaginal thrush |
| Athlete’s foot | Ear wax |
| Diarrhoea | Mouth ulcers |
| Haemorrhoids | Oral thrush |
| Headlice | Scabies |
| Groin area infection | Verrucae |
| Threadworms |
Emergency hormonal contraception
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This service allows women and young people aged 13yrs or over, to access EHC medication where their regular contraceptive has failed or where unprotected sexual intercourse has taken place. Where appropriate, the pharmacist can also provide ‘bridging contraception’ until the patient has an opportunity to visit their GP/clinic for further supply.
Uncomplicated UTIs in women
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This service is designed to assess and treat women aged 16-64 years presenting with the symptoms of UTI. This must be in line with the NI Management of Infection guidelines and the Public Health England UTI Diagnostic Quick reference tool .
Sore throat service
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The service provides a more accessible, efficient and high-quality clinical pathway for patients with a sore throat. Eligible patients are anyone over 5 years old who are registered with a GP in Northern Ireland.
Pharmacy First Pilot Service for treating shingles
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This Pharmacy First Service for shingles will facilitate the assessment and treatment of patients aged 18 years and over in the community pharmacy in line with NI Antimicrobial Guidelines and Shingles | Health topics A to Z | CKS | NICE and provision of antivirals under PGD authority or independent prescribing.