Pharmacy First The Hidden Healthcare Resource - 2024

Pharmacy First was launched in January 2024 and enabled a range of minor ailments to be treated by local pharmacists rather than requiring a GP appointment. The service aims to free up GPs to be able to treat those with more serious ailments and those with long-term health conditions. 

Engaging Communities Solutions CIC undertook a project across the seven local Healthwatch it delivers, including Healthwatch Halton, to explore public knowledge and experience of the Pharmacy First service that was introduced in January 2024. 

757 people took part in the survey, and it was found that 39% of those people did not know Pharmacy First at all. Sources of information on the service were varied but people were most likely to have heard of the service from a pharmacist including from posters in pharmacies and audio announcements in larger national chains. 

Satisfaction levels amongst those who had used the service were high with 86% of people rating it as good or very good. However, there were some frustrations with the perceived limitations of the service, particularly in relation to poor signposting or an inability to treat minor ailments in those with other existing health conditions.

The project also explored public knowledge of the additional services offered by pharmacies and it was found that knowledge of services was variable. Knowledge and use of flu vaccinations and blood pressure checks were relatively high but knowledge of some of the other services was low. Whilst some of the services are relatively specialised it might be expected that services such as contraception services might be more widely known.

Overall, it was found that for Pharmacy First and the other additional services already offered by community pharmacies, there were low levels of awareness. There is a need for wider sharing of information about what can be offered through community pharmacies to impact the pressures on GP appointments.