Pharmacy First Plus

Service specification (what it is, how it works)

Pharmacy First Plus is an enhanced NHS service available in Scotland that builds on the standard Pharmacy First Scotland scheme. Here’s how it works:

What is it?

  • Pharmacy First Plus allows Independent Prescribing Pharmacists (IPs) in community pharmacies to diagnose and prescribe treatment for common clinical conditions that go beyond the scope of the standard Pharmacy First service. Pharmacy First deals with range of clinical services etc.
  • It aims to reduce pressure on GP practices and urgent care by offering quicker, local access to treatment without needing a GP appointment.

How does it work?

  1. Access
    • You can visit a participating pharmacy (no GP referral needed).
    • Some pharmacies may require an appointment if demand is high.
  2. Consultation
    • A prescribing pharmacist will assess your symptoms.
    • They can diagnose and prescribe medication for certain conditions or refer you if necessary.
  3. Conditions Covered
    • Examples include:
      • Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
      • Respiratory infections
      • Ear, nose & throat issues
      • Skin conditions
      • Eye infections (with optometry support)
      • Allergies and other acute common conditions
  4. Prescribing
    • Unlike standard Pharmacy First (which uses NHS-approved medicines and PGDs), Pharmacy First Plus pharmacists can write prescriptions for a wider range of medicines, similar to a GP.

Benefits

  • Faster treatment for minor but urgent conditions.
  • Reduces GP workload and improves patient access.
  • Convenient – often walk-in, sometimes same-day service.

Resources (useful links)

Official NHS Sources

  1. NHS Inform – Pharmacy Services
    This is the main public-facing NHS site for Scotland. It explains how Pharmacy First Scotland works and includes details about pharmacists who can prescribe.
    Visit NHS Inform [nhsinform.scot]
  2. Community Pharmacy Scotland
    This site provides professional guidance, updates, and resources for Pharmacy First Plus, including prescribing frameworks and formulary details.
    Community Pharmacy Scotland – Pharmacy First

Conditions & Approved Medicines

Useful documents (claim forms etc)

For Pharmacy First Plus in Scotland, the claim process and forms are based on the official NHS circular PCA (P) (2020)16. Here’s what you need:

Which Claim Form is Used?

  • The main form for registering and claiming payment is Annex A of PCA (P) (2020)16.
  • This form is completed by the contractor (pharmacy) to:
    • Confirm participation in the service.
    • Declare that an Independent Prescriber (IP) pharmacist is available for at least 25 hours per week for 45 weeks per year.
  • The completed Annex A must be emailed to nss.psd-pharm-pay@nhs.scot to start receiving payment. [cps.scot], [communityp…cot.nhs.uk]

Where to Get the Form