Pharmacy First

Pharmacy First is an NHS service available in Scotland that provides treatment, advice and referral for a range of common clinical conditions.

A common clinical condition is a frequently occurring health condition that can be safely assessed, treated, or managed by appropriately trained healthcare professionals using recognised clinical guidelines and treatment pathways, without the need for routine specialist referral.

How does it work?

1. Access
   • Patient visits pharmacy (no GP referral needed).
   • Some pharmacies may require an appointment if demand is high.
2. Consultation
   • Pharmacy First Interaction data captured on stationary
   • A pharmacist will assess symptoms and either Referral, Advice, Supply the patient
   • Claiming is completed using the Universal Claim Framework
3. Conditions Covered
   • Examples may include:
     • Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
     • Respiratory infections
     • Ear, nose & throat issues
     • Skin conditions
     • Eye infections (with optometry support)
     • Allergies and other acute common conditions

Resources (useful links)

Circular PCA(P)(2020)13

Circular PCA(P)(2020)16

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 including prescribing frameworks and formulary details.
   Community Pharmacy Scotland – Pharmacy First

Conditions & Approved Medicines

• The Pharmacy First Formulary and approved list of medicines are published by Community Pharmacy Scotland.
  NHS Pharmacy First Scotland Service | Community Pharmacy Scotland

This is an updated flowchart for NHS Pharmacy First Scotland Service: