NHS Pharmacy First in England: Due to Launch 31st of January 2024
Published: 17/01/24
As some of you may be aware, NHS England are due to launch the NHS Pharmacy First service in English community pharmacies on 31st of January 2024.
As NHS Pharmacy First Scotland has been an established and growing service in all community pharmacies in Scotland since July 2020, CPS understand the launch of this new service in England may bring some confusion to the public and service providers, especially those who are located close to the Scotland-England border. These two services are separate from one another and are not interchangeable between home nations. With this in mind, we thought it important to communicate the differences between NHS Pharmacy First and NHS Pharmacy First Scotland and what impact this may have on public understanding in the coming months.
In England, the NHS Pharmacy First service incorporates the Community Pharmacist Consultation Service (CPCS) that was previously being provided and builds on it to enable community pharmacy to complete episodes of care for seven common conditions following specific clinical pathways. This will enable the management of common infections by community pharmacies through offering self-care, safety-netting advice, and supplying certain over the counter and prescription only medicines via clinical protocol and patient group directions (PGDs).
We have attached a table of comparisons between the PGDs which are covered by each service. More information on NHS Pharmacy First in England can be found here.
Due to the location of some national TV networks, health board areas such as NHS Dumfries and Galloway, and NHS Borders are likely to see conflicting information being broadcast into Scotland when the NHS Pharmacy First in England is launched. CPS are aware this will likely cause some confusion for the public and therefore it is important that you are aware of the differences between these separate services and anticipate any possible conversations with patients. There is also the possibility of patients from England travelling to Scotland, and vice versa, who will be unaware of the differences between the two services and will need further assistance in accessing healthcare. We hope the information attached brings clarity to this and will aid in conversations you may be faced with in the future.
Conditions covered by PGD(s): Comparison between NHS Pharmacy First Scotland and NHS Pharmacy First in England
Condition | NHS Pharmacy First Scotland | NHS Pharmacy First in England |
---|---|---|
Uncomplicated Urinary Tract Infection | Yes | Yes |
Shingles | Yes | Yes |
Impetigo | Yes | Yes |
Skin Infection | Yes | Yes, but only relating to infected insect bites |
Hayfever | Yes | No |
Acute Sore Throat | No | Yes |
Acute Sinusitis | No | Yes |
Acute Otitis Media | No | Yes |
This Circular encloses new guidance for dispensing General Practises across Scotland.
The MHRA are seeking views on the impact of the 2012 Human Medicines Regulations implementation. This paper outlines our draft response
To view our latest eNewsletter through your browser, please click on the link
Recruitment for the 2024-25 cohort of Scottish Pharmacy Clinical Leadership Fellows (SPCLF) is underway!
Our colleagues on the Scottish Pharmacy Pain Network are looking for some pharmacists with an interest in pain management to contribute to the review of a new Scottish Government resource
The new updated version of Part 7 is now available for May 2024. In this month there are three deletions to Part 7S of the drug tariff we wanted to make you aware of.
Reporting to the Area Support Pharmacist, you will be responsible for and oversee the delivery of all aspects of the Scottish Pharmacy Contract and optimise the delivery of dispensing and professional services.
Today is the official launch date of Gateway C in Scotland. A free online cancer education platform for primary care health professionals.
To view our latest eNewsletter through your browser, please click on the link
The update is to Section 10 Skin to remove Epimax Ointment and Epimax Paraffin free Ointment from NHS Grampian’s list only.
We have been advised that the May 2024 edition of Part 7 will be slightly delayed this month.
Get your clubs ready and mark your calendars because the countdown to the CPS Charity Golf Day at Mar Hall Golf and Spa Resort is officially on! On Friday, 17th May 2024, golf enthusiasts and philanthropists alike will come together for a day of fun, fundraising, and fellowship in support of St Columba’s Hospice.
The Knowledge Network for health and social care has had a refresh!
We are looking for Pharmacist Manager to support our team in our Milnathort branch. We are looking for a Pharmacist who is passionate about supporting our team, providing exceptional patient care and being part of Davidsons Chemists.
We are looking for a regular part-time Pharmacist Manager to support our team and job share with our existing Pharmacist Manager within our Methven branch. We are looking for a Pharmacist who is passionate about supporting our team, providing exceptional patient care and being part of Davidsons Chemists.
We have exciting roles available that would suit a newly qualified pharmacist looking to undertake the NES Post-Registration Foundation Programme. Full-time or part-time positions are available.
Need to recruit a Pharmacist? Want to find a Pharmacy Technician or provide a pre-reg with an opportunity? Look no further, we have a powerful tool to help you advertise your vacancies and it’s free for you as one of our members to use. it’s free. Don’t’ worry, you read that perfectly!
To view our latest eNewsletter through your browser, please click on the link
We need to update our records on the current numbers across our network in relation to the various roles relating to CP IPs. This will support training and budget plans for the future.
The data will be securely stored and used only by community pharmacy for planning purposes.
Contractor and Employee Pharmacists Still to Start CP IP Training
Please complete this data for any pharmacists who have still to (and want to!) start CP IP Training
Your next Parcelforce prescription collection is coming up on Thursday, 2nd May 2024.
This October, a new group of newly qualified pharmacists who are employed in community pharmacy will embark on a programme designed to improve confidence and competence in-role. Successful applicants who progress as expected through the course will be guaranteed a place on an IP course in Scotland.
Are you a newly qualified pharmacist (less than 3 years) or hoping to qualify in 2024? Gilmerton Pharmacy is looking for an enthusiastic foundation pharmacist to join our team!
Last Saturday, Community Pharmacy Scotland (CPS) attended the Scottish Pharmacists Awards to celebrate the amazing work of our community pharmacy network.
Today we met with MSP Colin Beattie at Bonnyrigg Pharmacy, which is in his constituency of Midlothian North and Musselburgh.
In this week’s roundup... Our Policy & PR Pharmacist Sarah Scott discusses the visit of MSP Audrey Nicoll at Garthdee Pharmacy, our Digital Communications Assistant Graham Le Tissier talks about the CPS Charity Golf Day and Our Digital Communications Officer Robbie Collins highlights the NHS’ “It’s Ok To Ask“ Campaign 2024.
To view our latest eNewsletter through your browser, please click on the link
The MCR Ready Reckoner APP has been temporarily unpublished from our website due to anomaly in the data used. We are working with our colleagues at NHS National Services Scotland to review the data.
With your next Parcelforce prescription collection coming up on Thursday, 18th April 2024.
This Circular advises NHS Boards and community pharmacy contractors that the UK-wide Serious Shortage Protocol (SSP) for isosorbide mononitrate (Monomil® XL) 60mg modified release tablet due to expire on 3 May 2024 has been extended until Friday 31 May 2024.