Common and minor ailment services

PJ view: The success of Pharmacy First is in the government’s hands

Now that a launch date has been set for Pharmacy First in England, the government must deploy clear communication to patients about the service in order for it to reach its full potential.…

Patients to be referred to community pharmacy smoking cessation scheme from lung cancer checks

The expansion will allow patients to be referred to the smoking cessation scheme from targeted lung health checks, which are offered to current and ex-smokers aged 55–74 years.…

Agreement on new common conditions service for England expected by end of July 2023

Community Pharmacy England has said work is underway "at pace" to develop the payment system for the new Pharmacy First-style service in England.…

Case-based learning: insect bites and stings

How to identify and manage insect bites and stings, as well as prevention methods.…

Third of community pharmacies could offer independent prescribing service by 2024, say Scottish negotiators

Harry McQuillan, chief executive of Community Pharmacy Scotland, said he expects one in three pharmacies to be offering the NHS Pharmacy First Plus service by the end of 2024.…

Academics warn prime minister of ‘extremely serious’ AMR consequences of Pharmacy First scheme in England

In an open letter to Rishi Sunak, senior academics have warned that the proposed scheme could "reverse the gains it makes" unless there is a strong focus on provision of antibiotics.…

Pharmacy First will be introduced in England in 2023, says government

NHS England has announced that the government will invest an extra £645m in community pharmacy over the next two years, part of which will fund a 'Pharmacy First' service.…

Government to call for research on effect of ‘Pharmacy First’ schemes on antibiotic use

The National Institute for Health and Care Research's "pre-call" announcement said a common conditions service in England "will commence no earlier than the end of October 2023", subject to successful commissioning.…

NHS tenders contract to train 500 supervisors for independent prescribing pharmacists

The contract follows warnings of a shortage of designated prescribing practitioners to supervise pharmacists who are training to become independent prescribers.…

Campaign to encourage pharmacy use ‘irresponsible and extremely unhelpful’, says negotiator

NHS England's 'Help Us Help You' campaign will use film themes to encourage people to visit community pharmacies for minor illnesses.…