Pharmacy First
Pharmacy First: Information
Introduced on 31st January 2024, the Pharmacy First service builds on the previous Community Pharmacist Consultation Service (CPCS), which allowed GPs and other settings to electronically refer patients directly to pharmacies for minor illness consultations.
Expanding on the work they had already been doing as part of CPCS, community pharmacists can now supply an NHS medicine, if clinically appropriate, for sinusitis; sore throat; acute otitis media; infected insect bites; impetigo; shingles; and uncomplicated urinary tract infections (UTIs) in women (age restrictions apply), as well as still see patients with other minor illnesses who are electronically referred to them.
Animation on how the Pharmacy First service works
What does the service involve?
Come in to Bexleyheath pharmacy and speak to our pharmacist who will be able to get you back to good health.
Sinusitis
Adults and Children Aged 12 Years and Over
Sore Throat
Adults and Children Aged 5 Years and Over
Acute Otitis Media
Children Aged 1 Year to 17 Years
Infected Insect Bite
Adults and Children Aged 1 Year and Over
Impetigo
Adults and Children Aged 1 Year and Over
Shingles
Adults Aged 18 Years and Over
Visit Your Pharmacy First!
Sinusitis
Sinusitis is an inflammation of the sinus cavities commonly caused by viral, bacterial, or fungal infections, as well as allergies, leading to symptoms like facial pain, nasal congestion, discharge, cough, and fatigue. Treatment typically involves over-the-counter pain relievers, decongestants, nasal irrigation, corticosteroid sprays, and antibiotics if bacterial infection is present, with severe cases possibly necessitating surgery. Preventive measures like hand hygiene and allergen management are recommended to reduce the risk of sinusitis occurrence.
Infected Insect Bite
An infected insect bite occurs when pathogens enter the skin through a bite from mosquitoes, ticks, fleas, or spiders. Symptoms include redness, swelling, pain, itching, and pus formation at the site. Systemic symptoms like fever, chills, and swollen lymph nodes may also occur. Treatment involves cleaning the area with soap, applying antiseptic ointment, and covering the wound with a bandage. Seek medical attention if symptoms worsen or persist.
Acute Otitis Media
Acute otitis media (AOM) is a common condition characterized by inflammation and infection of the middle ear, typically resulting from bacterial or viral infections. It often presents with symptoms such as ear pain or discomfort, hearing loss, fever, irritability (especially in infants and young children), and sometimes drainage of fluid from the ear. AOM can occur following upper respiratory infections or due to eustachian tube dysfunction, which impairs drainage of fluid from the middle ear..
Sore Throat
A sore throat, medically known as pharyngitis, is a common condition characterized by pain, irritation, or scratchiness in the throat, often exacerbated by swallowing. It can be caused by various factors such as viral or bacterial infections (including the common cold, flu, or strep throat), environmental irritants like dry air or smoke, allergies, or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
Impetigo
Impetigo, caused by Staphylococcus aureus or Streptococcus pyogenes, is a contagious skin infection. Primarily affecting children, it manifests as red sores or blisters that form yellowish crusts, commonly around the nose and mouth. Spread occurs through direct contact or touching contaminated items. Treatment involves topical antibiotics for mild cases and oral antibiotics for severe ones.
Shingles
Shingles, or herpes zoster, stems from the varicella-zoster virus, which also causes chickenpox. After chickenpox, the virus may lie dormant in nerve tissues, reactivating as shingles. The main symptom is a painful rash forming a band of blisters along one side of the body, usually following a nerve pathway. Additional symptoms include itching, tingling, burning, fever, headache, and fatigue.
Uncomplicated urinary tract infections in women.
Uncomplicated urinary tract infections (UTIs) are common bacterial infections primarily affecting women and typically involve the lower urinary tract, including the bladder (cystitis) and urethra. These infections are often caused by bacteria such as Escherichia coli (E. coli) and are characterized by symptoms such as frequent urination, burning or pain during urination, urgency to urinate, cloudy or bloody urine, and sometimes lower abdominal discomfort. Diagnosis is usually based on symptoms and confirmed through urinalysis and culture tests.
