NHS BARNSLEY CCG - PHARMACY FIRST

Through the Pharmacyfirst service you can get extra advice, guidance and support for a range of common, minor short-term health conditions. Your pharmacy team will be able to offer you a cost-effective range of treatments to manage your condition. For some conditions, you may also be able to receive free treatments from your pharmacy if you are eligible for free prescriptions.

From August 2019, in line with national NHS guidance, your doctor, nurse and pharmacist will not generally give you a prescription for, or supply free of charge, medicines which can be bought over the counter for common, minor, short-term health conditions. If you do pay for your prescriptions, then the cost of the medicine should be much less than the current prescription charge.

Your local pharmacy team play a key role in advising you on common, minor health concerns and if your symptoms suggest it’s more serious, they’ll ensure you get the care you need. They can offer the enhanced Pharmacyfirst service giving you personalised advice on what treatments might be best for you and how long you can expect your symptoms to last.

How do I know if I can use the Pharmacyfirst Scheme?

The Pharmacyfirst scheme is available in participating pharmacies across Barnsley to anyone registered with a Barnsley GP practice.

What about children?

Children can be treated for certain conditions depending on their age and what medicines are available. Some medicines can only be given to younger children on prescription. Sometimes the pharmacist will need to see your child to make sure the right advice or treatment is given.

How do I know which pharmacy to go to?

The pharmacies offering this service will display a Pharmacyfirst sticker in their window. You can find a list of these pharmacies by visiting www.barnsleyccg.nhs.uk/pharmacyfirst.

What conditions are included?

All the minor health conditions 

• Allergies
•  Earache
• Eczema
• Scabies
• Vaginal thrush
• Head lice (From August 2019 pharmacists will provide enhanced guidance and support and will only be able to supply the Nitty Gritty combs or Bug Buster Kits for the treatment of head lice.)

Will I always receive medicine?

No, because you may not require any. If this is the case the pharmacist will give you advice on how best to treat your symptoms. If it is appropriate the pharmacist will give you the right medicine. This medicine is only for you and should not be used for anyone else. The pharmacist will also tell you the best way to take the medicine and other ways to help manage your symptoms. If the pharmacist thinks you need to see your doctor or nurse, the pharmacist will provide you with a referral slip for you to take to your GP. This will indicate to your doctor or nurse that you have been to the pharmacy and the reason you have been referred to them.

What should I do if my symptoms don’t improve?

It is important that if your symptoms haven’t improved after the time your pharmacist has advised, or you start to feel a lot worse, you should:
• Go back to the pharmacy for further advice
• Call NHS 111, or
• Contact your GP or iHEART Barnsley GP service