CPE launces new webinar series to support implementation of Pharmacy First service

Each webinar will have policy experts from NHS England and CPPE 

Community Pharmacy England (CPE) is organising a series of webinars to help pharmacy owners and their teams to prepare for the implementation of new Pharmacy First service, and changes to the Contraception and Hypertension Case-Finding Services.

Beginning from 5th December, the webinars would be conducted through January, with support from NHS England and the Centre for Postgraduate Education (CPPE), the organisation announced on Thursday (30 November).

During the online seminars, pharmacy teams will be explained about the individual services announced, and things to consider before they start providing, or expand their offering of, these services.

Each webinar will have CPE’s Services Team, who would be leading the team, and policy experts from NHS England and CPPE as speakers.

Not only pharmacy owners and their teams, but anyone who are interested in the provision of the services can attend the webinars.

Webinar schedule

Pharmacy Contraception Service: Initiating contraception (Tuesday 5th December 2023, 7-8.30pm)

Pharmacy First: Getting to know the service (Wednesday 13th December 2023, 7-8.30pm)

Hypertension Case-Finding Service (Wednesday 3rd January 2024, 7-8.30pm)

Pharmacy Contraception Service: getting going with the service (Wednesday 10th January 2024, 7-8.30pm)

Pharmacy First: Getting ready for launch (Monday 15th January 2024, 7-8.30pm)

The CPE has urged interested people to register for these events in advance, as bookings will close at noon on the day of each event, or earlier if they reach the maximum number of attendees for the event.

Scheduled for launch on 31st January 2024, the Pharmacy First service, which will empower pharmacist to provide consultations, give advice and issue medicines if appropriate, for seven common conditions.

The conditions include sinusitis, sore throat, acute otitis media, infected insect bite, impetigo, shingles and uncomplicated urinary tract infections in women.

Pharmacies in England will also begin offering the new contraceptive service from December, allowing women to get the pill without the need for a GP appointment.

Previously, the Hypertension Case-Finding service was provided by only pharmacists and pharmacy technicians, but from 1st December 2023, the service can be provided by suitably trained and competent pharmacy staff.