The NHS is broadening access to community pharmacy services across England by enabling chemists to treat five additional common health conditions beyond those already included in the existing program. The newly added conditions are low frequency migraines in adults, hay fever or allergic rhinitis in children, ear infections in adults, mild to moderate acne in young people and adults, and mild skin infections and scabies. These five conditions complement the seven conditions pharmacists were already permitted to treat: sore throat, sinusitis, earache, insect bites, impetigo, shingles, and uncomplicated urinary tract infections.
The expansion is being implemented to address capacity constraints in general practice and emergency departments while improving patient access to treatment for routine ailments. NHS officials stated the objective is to enable people to receive prompt care in their local communities without requiring appointments with GPs or visits to hospital settings. Initially, a limited number of chemists will provide treatment for the five new conditions, with plans for gradual expansion to thousands of community NHS pharmacies throughout England. Patients can access services by being referred through NHS111, by GP referral, or by visiting chemists directly.
The Migraine Trust expressed support for the expanded services, characterizing the development as creating improved care pathways for migraine sufferers. Community pharmacies offer additional services including support for healthy lifestyle behaviors, blood pressure monitoring, contraception services, and vaccination programs for flu and COVID-19. However, pharmacy organizations have raised concerns about funding adequacy, with representatives stating that government payments do not fully cover the workload associated with the expanded services and calling for increased investment in the pharmacy sector.
The Pharmacy First scheme, which commenced in England in 2024, has reportedly processed 14 million consultations to date, including two million for sore throats and 1.7 million for urinary tract infections. Similar programs exist in Scotland, which treats 27 different conditions at chemists and served as a model for the English initiative, as well as in Northern Ireland and Wales.
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