As reported by Yahoo News, more than 952,000 consultations have taken place in the North West since the launch of the Pharmacy First service
The initiative allows people to receive treatment from high street pharmacies for seven common conditions, minor illnesses and urgent medicine supply without needing to see their GP, visit an NHS walk-in centre, or attend an urgent care setting.
The latest data reveals that between January 2024 and April 2025, nearly 415,000 patients in the North West were able to get advice, treatment, and medicines from the pharmacy in their area for conditions such as sinusitis, sore throat, earache, infected insect bites, impetigo, shingles and uncomplicated urinary tract infections.
This comes as of the government is set to put in place a 10 Year Health Plan designed to fix the NHS in England. Dr Paula Cowan, a GP and regional medical director for primary care for NHS England in the North West, said: “Pharmacy First is committed to providing individuals with quick and accessible care without the need for a GP visit. By bringing together community pharmacies and general practice teams, we are enhancing the healthcare experience for our local population.”
The Pharmacy First initiative is part of a broader effort to reduce the strain on GP surgeries and hospitals.
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