Pharmacy First proves popular with public but supply issues cause concern

New research has found high levels of public satisfaction with Pharmacy First in England, while also revealing significant problems with medication shortages.

Healthwatch England sought the views of 7,029 adults, of which 3,104 (44%) had visited their pharmacy for help with one of the seven common conditions covered under the Pharmacy First initiative.

As many as 86% of respondents reported a positive experience in seeking support, with the key benefits cited including convenience and speed.

The most common conditions treated were sore throat (40%), urinary tract infection (28%) and earache (17%).

However, persistent problems in accessing medication were also reported. Nearly a quarter (23%) of respondents said they had been unable to get the medication they needed in the past 12 months because their pharmacy had run out.

Other supply-side issues included prescription delays (19%), prescription errors (18%), affordability concerns (5%), unexpected pharmacy closures (9%) and permanent closures (3%).

Despite these problems, the research revealed a strong public appetite for expanding Pharmacy First.

An extension of the service was supported by more than three-quarters (76%) of respondents who said they were comfortable discussing health with pharmacists.

Around two-thirds said they would use a pharmacy for eye infections (67%), skin problems (66%) and management of high blood pressure or asthma (65%).

Healthwatch has also advocated an expansion of Pharmacy First but believes key barriers need to be addressed.

The organisation has called for clear public guidance on what to do if medication is unavailable, along with greater flexibility for pharmacists to safely substitute medicines with patient consent.

Other recommendations include a national awareness campaign to boost public understanding of Pharmacy First, and support for pharmacy teams including funding and improved premises.

Louise Ansari, chief executive of Healthwatch England, said: 'With the right investment, Pharmacy First could play an even more vital role in easing pressure on GPs and improving access to care for millions.

'But to unlock its full potential, we must tackle the barriers holding some people back.'

Ms Ansari added: 'Most concerning is the rise in problems people face in being able to access medications, a situation which is both frustrating and distressing for many patients.

'International supply issues will take time to resolve, but the NHS can act now to reduce the impact on patients.'

Alastair Buxton, director of NHS Services at Community Pharmacy England, welcomed the positive feedback on Pharmacy First from the public, along with support for the scheme's expansion.

However, he also noted that the findings on medicines shortages 'confirm what pharmacy teams are experiencing every day'.

Mr Buxton added: 'Pharmacies are going above and beyond to help, but they need urgent support to manage these pressures.

'A sustainable funding model is essential to ensure pharmacies can continue to meet growing demand and deliver the care their communities depend on.'

New polling from CPE this week revealed that almost three-quarters (74%) of pharmacy owners in England say their business is spending ‘longer than ever before’ to procure medicines amid worsening supply issues.

It was also announced at the end of last month that changes will be made to the gateway points used under Pharmacy First in a move to make it easier for pharmacies to achieve the monthly payment for the scheme.