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NHS Pharmacy First Scotland (PFS)

Published on 14 September 2023

The NHS Pharmacy First Scotland service allows patients to use a community pharmacy as the first port of call for treatment.

Who is eligible for NHS Pharmacy First Scotland?

Eligibility for the Pharmacy First Scotland service is reserved for those who fit the following criteria:

  • Everyone registered with a GP practice in Scotland or the Defence Medical Services on a permanent or temporary basis (including care home residents).

  • People who live in Scotland (including gypsy or travellers / asylum seeker or dependant of an asylum seeker).

Who isn't eligible for NHS Pharmacy First Scotland?

  • Visitors to Scotland are excluded from accessing the service, however pharmacists will still be able to provide general help and advice to these patients as well as providing medication by over the counter sale.

Providing the NHS Pharmacy First Scotland service

Once the eligibility of the patient has been confirmed a consultation can be provided which may either be advice, referral to GP or treatment.

Pharmacy First PGD Letter

Resources

Resources have been developed to support Community Pharmacy in the delivery of care for conditions covered by NHS Pharmacy First Scotland.

Approved Items

The resource below identifies the allowed treatment items for conditions covered by NHS Pharmacy First Scotland.

Access the approved list

Consultation Form

Once you have confirmed a patient as eligible for the NHS Pharmacy First Scotland service, you are required to fill out this consultation form.

GP Practice guidance

The following resource supports GP Practice in signposting patient to NHS Pharmacy First Scotland service.

Signposting Guidance for GP Practice

Impetigo

The following resources support care for Impetigo.

Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)

The following resources support care for UTI.

Shingles

The following resources support care for Shingles.

Skin Infections

The following resources support care for Skin Infections.

Hayfever

The following resources support care for Hayfever