Pharmacy First at Ascent Health Pharmacy

Pharmacy First is a comprehensive collection of services that our pharmacies and pharmacists offer to support patients with minor ailments and illnesses. Since 2019, NHS 111, A&E departments, and GPs have been able to refer patients to pharmacies for consultations. NHS 111 can also refer patients to pharmacies for urgent supplies of prescribed medicines.

Starting January 31, 2024, the Pharmacy First service has expanded, allowing pharmacists to provide consultations and treatment for seven common conditions without a referral.

What Are the Seven Common Conditions Ascent Health Pharmacy Can Treat?

Ascent Health Pharmacy can treat the following minor conditions:

• Earache
• Impetigo
• Infected Insect Bites
• Shingles
• Sinusitis
• Sore Throat
• Uncomplicated Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) in women

How to Have a Consultation with Your Ascent Pharmacist

To consult with an Ascent Pharmacist:

1. Visit or Call: Drop by your local Ascent Pharmacy or give them a call to discuss your symptoms.
2. Initial Screening: A pharmacy team member may ask preliminary questions to determine if your symptoms are suitable for a pharmacist consultation.
3. Consultation: If available, the pharmacist will see you immediately. During busy times, you may be asked to return later or schedule an appointment.

What to Bring to Your Consultation

• General: Just bring yourself or the person experiencing symptoms.
• UTIs: If you suspect a urinary tract infection, it’s helpful to bring a small urine sample in a clear bottle.

Consultation Location

Consultations will take place in private consultation rooms at our pharmacies. If you wish to have someone accompany you, discuss this with the pharmacist beforehand.

What Happens During the Consultation

The pharmacist will:

• Discuss your symptoms, severity, and duration.
• Review your medication history and relevant medical information.
• Perform necessary examinations (e.g., using an otoscope for earache, a tongue depressor for sore throat, examining rashes or bites, and taking your temperature).

After the Consultation

• Referral: If you need urgent medical attention or treatment beyond the pharmacist’s scope, you will be referred to a GP, A&E, or another healthcare provider.
• Treatment: If eligible, the pharmacist will discuss treatment options and provide the most suitable medication.
• Age Restrictions: If you are outside the treatment age range, you will be referred to another healthcare professional.
• Advice: General advice and over-the-counter treatment suggestions will be provided as appropriate.

Service Costs

• Consultation: Free of charge, funded by the NHS.
• Medication: Normal prescription charges apply. If you are exempt from NHS prescription charges, the medication is free, and you will need to complete a prescription exemption declaration.

Informing Your GP

A clinical record of your consultation will be made and sent to your GP to be added to your medical records.

If Your Symptoms Worsen

Your Ascent Pharmacist will advise you on actions to take if your symptoms worsen, which may include revisiting the pharmacy, seeing your GP, or going to A&E.

For more information visit our website, or to find your nearest Ascent Pharmacy, and speak to a team member today.