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 week’s MCR Ready Reckoner has been updated and is now available to download or you can view it via the App.
Our colleagues at NSS have asked us to pass on the following message:
NHS National Services Scotland (NSS) are undertaking a tech refresh of the Patient Registration Service (PRS) to ensure continued support. As part of this process, NSS will need to schedule a PRS system downtime.
Our colleagues at Public Health Scotland (PHS) have asked us to share the following update regarding the COVID-19 spring vaccine poster for people with a weakened immune system.
This week The Scotsman newspaper revealed that Scotland is on course for the highest number of annual flu deaths in almost half a century after more than than 350,000 fewer vaccines were given this winter.
Development of a new CPS strategy is well underway, with a final draft soon to be sent to the CPS Board for review.
Robert Gordon University (RGU) have developed a qualification aimed at post-registration pharmacy technicians across the UK entitled: BSc (Hons) Clinical Practice for Pharmacy Technicians.
You will play a key part in leading the pharmacy team, working across the healthcare area and dispensary, to meet patients’ needs. Your focus each day will be to look after your team, deliver a great service to our patients, through managing the workload and people to deliver on the operational requirements of the position.
A new letter has been jointly issued by Professor Sir Gregor Smith (Chief Medical Officer for Scotland), Professor Alison Strath (Chief Pharmaceutical Officer), and Anne Armstrong (Interim Chief Nursing Officer), underscores the importance of continued collaboration across health and social care.
Borders Pharmacy in Hawick is thrilled to announce an exciting opening for a Base Pharmacist. This role involves working alongside our experienced GpHC-registered non-pharmacist manager and a supportive dispensary team.
Are you an Independent Prescriber looking for a stable, part-time role that allows you to focus on delivering high-quality clinical services without the commitment of full-time hours? Stranraer Pharmacy is seeking a dedicated and passionate independent prescribing pharmacist to join our friendly and experienced team in providing exceptional care to our local community.
To view our latest eNewsletter through your browser, please click on the link
Lindsay and Gilmour are looking for a Full-Time Base Pharmacist to join their team at Lindsay and Gilmour Pharmacy in Inverkeithing Cross, Fife. Click to find out more and apply…
Read Victoria’s incredible real-world story of how a routine consultation through the NHS Pharmacy First Plus service led to the urgent referral of a patient who was later diagnosed with leukaemia.
Do you have questions about the updated Smoking Cessation Varenicline Service? Join us on Wednesday 7th May at 19:30 to 21:00 on Microsoft Teams - Click here to Register
Chest Heart and Stroke Scotland are running online training sessions on the FAST tool for identifying stroke, and community pharmacy team members are invited to join.
This Circular advises Health Boards and community pharmacy contractors of an updated Patient Group Direction (PGD) that is to be implemented for smoking cessation under the community pharmacy Public Health Service.
Our colleagues at Public Health Scotland (PHS) have asked that we disseminate the latest RADAR update to community pharmacy teams to inform you of concerns related to ongoing localised clusters of drug harms in multiple areas in Scotland.
Healthcare Improvement Scotland are gathering views and experiences from people currently taking Valproate, or those who have recently stopped.
Check out our Policy & PR Pharmacist, Sarah Scott, speaking to BBC Radio Scotland this morning about how people can manage their hay fever symptoms and access expert support through NHS Pharmacy First Scotland.
Please find attached NHS PCA(P)(2025)05 circular advising of a new Serious Shortage Protocol in place for Estradot® (Estradiol) 25 micrograms / 24 hours transdermal patch until Friday 2 May 2025.
Please find attached NHS circular PCA(P)(2025) 04 - Extension to Serious Shortage Protocols (SSPs) for Estradot (estradiol) 50, 75 and 100mcg patches, advising that the SSPs for the noted Estradot (estradiol) products have been extended until Friday 2 May 2025.
We are pleased to announce that following the close of the nominations on Thursday 3rd of April 2025, Martin Green, who stood unopposed for the position of Chair of Community Pharmacy Scotland and James Semple, who also stood unopposed for the position of Vice Chair, have both accepted these appointments for the 2025-2028 term.
Here is a round-up of all the important news this week, including the latest updates on Independent Prescribing and Community Pharmacy vacancies within the network.
Deans Pharmacy in Wishaw seeks a manager for one of Scotland's busiest pharmacies, offering robotic dispensing and a 24-hour collection point. Strong leadership and communication skills are essential. Competitive salary offered. Apply Now!
The approved list of products for the NHS Pharmacy First Scotland Service has been updated from the 1st April 2025.
It is important that we have an up to date record of our CPIPs and Trainees. If there are any changes to your circumstances, please let us know by completing the attached form and sending it to us on enquiries@cps.scot.
As a part of our work with the Scottish Government and Public Health Scotland, we regularly raise lines of concern and work to secure adjusted prices for these. We also work with them regularly to review lines which have now stabilised and remove these as appropriate.
NES are now in the process of gathering expressions of interest for FTY facilitators to support online and in-person training sessions for the next cohorts of NES FTY students in 2025/26.
When submitting your bundle of prescriptions to P&CFS, one of the things that should always be included is your yellow GP34 form, as it is a legal requirement. You will need to have counted your prescription submission before completing, which involves totalling your number of forms and items.
Community Pharmacy Scotland was pleased to meet with Dame Jackie Baillie MSP on Tuesday at The Scottish Parliament to discuss the vital role of community pharmacy in Scotland's healthcare system.