Common Conditions

Pharmacy First 'enormously successful', says CCA

The CCA’s Nick Thayer says Pharmacy First has been “enormously successful” in its first year and he expects 2.5 million consultations by the end of March 2025.

NHSE launches 24/7 support for ‘overwhelmed’ pharmacists

NHS England (NHSE) has launched a “confidential 24/7 text support service” for pharmacists who are feeling “worried or overwhelmed” and need someone to speak to.

CPE targets nurseries and schools with Pharmacy First checklist

Community Pharmacy England (CPE) has launched a new checklist, along with other resources, to promote Pharmacy First services in nurseries and schools.

CCA calls for pharmacy BP checks to treble amid GP bid to stop them

The CCA has said there is an “urgent need to scale up” hypertension screening services in pharmacies despite GP leaders voting for these services to be “terminated with immediate effect”.

GPs and pharmacies must work in ‘joined-up way’, says BMA

The BMA has urged GPs and community pharmacies to “work in a joined-up way” after GP leaders last week voted “overwhelmingly” for pharmacy blood pressure checks to be terminated immediately.

‘High volumes’: Fifth pharmacy suspended from Pharmacy First

Another pharmacy has been suspended from the Pharmacy First service, with its integrated care board (ICB) citing “high volumes” and “the types of conditions referred” as reasons, C+D has learned.

In full: ‘We cannot afford a race to the bottom’: GP leaders vote for an ‘immediate’ end to pharmacy blood pressure checks

GP leaders have voted “overwhelmingly” for pharmacy blood pressure checks to be “terminated with immediate effect” at the BMA’s annual GP conference – also calling for Pharmacy First to be “immediately discontinued” and funds “redirected” into general practice.

Pharmacy sore throat services provide antibiotics less than GPs, study reveals

A study of Welsh sore throat services has found that 24% of pharmacy consultations ended with an antibiotic prescription, compared with 39% of GP consultations.

Pharmacy group urges BMA to reject ‘short-sighted’ GP vote on pharmacy BP checks

A pharmacy group has urged the BMA to reject a GP leaders’ motion for pharmacy blood pressure checks to be “terminated with immediate effect”, which is set to be debated at the BMA’s annual GP conference tomorrow.

Pharmacy ‘files case in High Court’ over Pharmacy First suspension

A Wembley pharmacy is “actively preparing” a legal case after being suspended from the Pharmacy First service, C+D has learned.