A new NHS Pharmacy First advanced service was launched on Wednesday 31 January 2024. More than 10,000 pharmacies who have registered to deliver the service to date.

The new Pharmacy First Service will enable community pharmacists to complete episodes of care for patients without the need for the patient to visit their general practice. This, alongside expansions to the pharmacy blood pressure checking and contraception services, will save up to 10 million general practice team appointments a year and help patients access quicker and more convenient care, including the supply of appropriate medicines for minor illness.

The seven conditions are:

Clinical pathway	Age range
Acute Otitis Media*	1 to 17 years
Impetigo	1 year and over
Infected insect bites	1 year and over
Shingles	18 years and over
Sinusitis	12 years and over
Sore throat	5 years and over
Uncomplicated urinary tract infections	Women 16-64 years

• Distance Selling Pharmacies will not complete consultations for Acute Otitis Media.