From September 2024 to March 2025, the number of GP referrals into the programme have increased by 40%, easing the load on practices and allowing patients to be seen more quickly by their local pharmacy.
Pharmacy First is an initiative designed 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.
Across Wandsworth we are proud to work in partnership with the ICB and local practices to give patients a faster, more convenient way to access healthcare and keeping the patient journey at the heart of everything we do.
Mitan Katelia From Pearl Chemist Group supports pharmacies by ensuring they have the necessary clinical skills to manage referrals and walk-ins while fostering strong relationships with Primary Care Networks (PCNs). He works with patients to improve their understanding of healthcare access, ensuring they recognize pharmacies as their first port of call. This includes outreach events, as well as collaboration with Healthwatch, local community centres and patient groups to educate them on the capabilities of pharmacies.
As awareness of the initiative grows, we expect to see more and more patients refer directly to pharmacies or referring themselves, further easing pressure on GP practices.
I didn’t have to wait for a GP appointment I went to see my local pharmacist who was able to prescribe antibiotics for my sore throat. In total it took around 10 minutes from me speaking to the surgery to being referred and seen. Excellent service I will be going to the pharmacy as the first point of call going forward.”
Pharmacy First patient, 04/02/2025