CPE launches new animation to boost awareness of Pharmacy First service

Pharmacy teams and general practices encouraged to download the 'Pharmacy First' animation video and display it on digital screens

Community Pharmacy England (CPE) has taken an interesting step to increase public awareness and understanding of the Pharmacy First service.

The organisation has launched a new video animation that provides clear and concise information about the service, highlighting the seven conditions covered, the eligible age ranges within the clinical pathways consultations, and explaining how patients can access these services.

Pharmacy owners and their teams are encouraged to use the new animation with existing resources to communicate the benefits and scope of the service to their patients.

The animation can be linked to pharmacy social media content and downloaded for display on digital screens in pharmacies. General practices are also encouraged to use the animation on digital screens in their practice waiting areas.

The animation and associated materials are the latest additions to a range of resources developed by the CPE for use with patients and the public.

Earlier this year, the organisation introduced an animation on “how the Pharmacy First service works” targeted at GP practice teams.

Introduced on 31st January 2024, the Pharmacy First service allows community pharmacists to provide advice and NHS-funded treatment, where clinically appropriate, for seven common conditions including sinusitis, sore throat, acute otitis media, infected insect bites, impetigo, shingles, and uncomplicated urinary tract infections (UTIs) in women (age 16 to 64 years).

While it is an optional service, more than 95 per cent of pharmacies have signed up to offer it.

Pharmacy First is expected to free up 10 million GP appointments a year by next winter.

Watch or download the video animation here.