NHS Pharmacy First schemes set to provide quicker services to people

From autumn 2026, people across England can receive treatment for a wider range of everyday health conditions directly from participating community pharmacies, without first seeing a GP

The expansion of the NHS Pharmacy First scheme will allow qualified pharmacists to assess and, where appropriate, prescribe treatment for five new conditions: migraines, acne, scabies, ear infections and rhinitis.

Five new conditions added

The NHS Pharmacy First scheme will initially be available at participating pharmacies that employ a pharmacist with the necessary prescribing qualification.

The five new prescribing pathways will cover:

• Low-frequency episodic migraine in adults
• Seasonal allergic rhinitis in children
• Acute otitis externa, commonly known as an outer ear infection, in adults
• Mild to moderate acne in young people and adults
• Mild skin and soft tissue infections and scabies

Patients can visit participating pharmacies for assessment and treatment, potentially avoiding the need to make a GP appointment.

Making healthcare easier to access

The NHS Pharmacy First scheme is designed to make it easier for people to get treatment for common conditions close to home, while reducing pressure on GP surgeries and hospital emergency departments.

Around four in five people in England live within a 20-minute walk of a community pharmacy. Once fully introduced, the expanded service is expected to provide around 2 to 3 million consultations for the five new conditions each year.

The move comes as the NHS prepares for another challenging winter after experiencing its three busiest months on record for A&E attendances between May and July.

Pharmacy First already treating millions

The Pharmacy First service has already provided around 14 million consultations since launching in February 2024.

These have included treatment and support for conditions such as sore throats, urinary tract infections, sinusitis, earache, infected insect bites, impetigo and shingles.

Of the 14 million consultations, around 7 million were for common conditions, while 3 million followed referrals from NHS 111 and general practice. A further 3.5 million involved urgent medicine supplies.

More care in local communities

The government and NHS are increasingly looking to community pharmacies to provide more healthcare services, including blood pressure checks, medicines advice and contraception services.

The expansion is intended to make better use of pharmacists’ clinical skills while giving patients quicker access to treatment for conditions that can often be managed safely in the community.