This article gives an overview of how the Pharmacy First programme has performed over the year 2025 – 2026 in Wandsworth.
Pharmacy First aims to make community pharmacies the first point of contact for patients with minor illnesses and certain conditions. The goal is to reduce pressure on GP surgeries and hospitals by enabling trained pharmacists to provide clinical advice, treatment and, in some cases, prescribe medications.
Referral Trends & Patient Behaviour
Whilst overall referral volumes were initially consistent year on year, we are now seeing a reduction in GP-initiated referrals. Importantly, this reflects a positive shift rather than a decline in activity.
Following an initial Pharmacy First consultation, patients and their families are increasingly choosing to return directly to community pharmacy for subsequent episodes of care, rather than re-presenting to general practice.
Early indications, based on PMR and Sonar data, suggest that approximately 4 in 10 patients are now choosing to present directly to pharmacy for Pharmacy First conditions, reflecting increased awareness and confidence in the service. This is further supported by repeat presentations, where patients are returning to pharmacy rather than accessing GP services.
This demonstrates that Pharmacy First is achieving its intended objective – positioning community pharmacy as the first point of contact for appropriate conditions, thereby reducing avoidable GP workload.
Strengthened GP–Pharmacy Relationships
Engagement between GP practices and local pharmacies has improved significantly over the course of the pilot.
A strong example is Barrons Chemist (part of Pearl Chemist Group, Trevelyan House), where close proximity and proactive communication have enabled a highly streamlined referral pathway. Patients are being seen promptly in pharmacy, and where any red flags are identified, there is a clear and efficient route back into GP services.
This two-way pathway is key to delivering a safe, responsive, and patient-centred service.
Service Delivery & Performance
Across the network, pharmacies are consistently delivering above the expected Pharmacy First thresholds, demonstrating both capacity and capability within community pharmacy to support primary care demand.
At Barrons Chemist:
- Pharmacy First consultations have increased from ~20 per month to ~45 per month (+125% increase)
- Blood pressure checks are averaging ~60 per month (~30% increase year on year)
- ABPM activity is ~6 per month (~30% increase year on year)
Pharmacy Team Feedback
Feedback from pharmacy leadership has been consistently positive, highlighting both patient impact and operational benefits:
Pharmacy First has enabled us to manage patients more proactively and work more closely with our GP colleagues, ensuring patients are seen in the right place at the right time.
— Olgia Nastas, Pharmacist