Pharmacy First Plus

What is the service?

  • 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.
  • 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.

Resources (useful links)

PCA(P)(2020)16

pca2025-p-20.pdf

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
  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