Pharmacy First Scotland
This page provides some brief information for services users and supporting documentation for pharmacies delivering Pharmacy First.
NHS Pharmacy First Scotland is a service that is delivered by all community pharmacy teams across Scotland. The focus is on the community pharmacy as the first port of call for managing self-limiting illnesses and supporting self-management of stable long term conditions.
The pharmacy team will provide a consultation service that can result in 3 outcomes: advice, treatment or referral. Pharmacists work with their local health care professional colleagues to agree on referral procedures.
If treatment is required, pharmacists, like GPs, can only provide certain medicines and products on the NHS. All of these are proven to be effective for treating your condition. If you want a specific medicine or product, you may need to buy it.
Further information can be found in the Patient Information Leaflet (available in 21 languages) and NHS Inform.
Supporting documentation for pharmacies delivering Pharmacy First
NHS Pharmacy First Scotland: Approved List of Products
East Region Formulary – Pharmacy First
NHS Pharmacy First Scotland flowchart
Optometry - Pharmacy Guidance
Guidance and referral processes for the treatment of minor eye conditions can be found in documentation below:
PCA(P)(2023)05 and PCA(P)(2023)45 - NHS Pharmacy First Scotland - Updated Guidance And Referral Form For Treatment Of Minor Eye Conditions
PCA(P)(2023)05 and PCA(P)(2023)45 - word version
Patient Group Directions
Patient Group Directions available to use in the delivery of NHS Pharmacy First Scotland.
TURAS
TURAS link to Pharmacy First Scotland continuing professional development.
Useful Links
NHS Pharmacy First Privacy Notice
Scottish Government Circulars
PCA(O)(2020)18 and PCA(P)(2020) 24