New ways of working that work for us all

The Pharmacy First service launched on 31st January. The PCC decided that one of our first priorities should be to help our General Practice and Community Pharmacy members to get maximum benefit from the scheme. It’s a really good example of how building relationships across primary care can provide a better service to local people. It also attempts to tackle the issue of access, which is common to all of us working in primary care.
Pharmacy First gives new supply powers to pharmacists, which allow patients to be referred into community pharmacies for common illnesses including shingles, impetigo, or sore throats. Pharmacists can now also supply antibiotics for these conditions where appropriate. Pharmacy First offers significant patient benefits and although it is early days, the initiative is an excellent example of what we can achieve when we work together. Our joint efforts can improve access for patients by helping them to understand the options open to them.
We wanted the PCC’s support of the scheme to be practical, sharing expertise and answering questions. In February and March, we held a series of Pharmacy First drop-in webinars. Led by Geraint Morris (PCC Pharmacy Lead), these sessions targeted GPs, clinical teams, practice managers and admin teams. With over 200 attendees, including 100 NENC GP practices, the webinars received a positive reception, highlighting the initiative’s significance for both general practice and community pharmacy.
Service Coach Lead Dee Talbot-Bosworth’s role is to embed the service, acting as a bridge between pharmacies and practices. Dee also works directly with community pharmacy leads. She knows that cooperation and communication are key to Pharmacy First’s success. She says:
“Getting people into the same room, face-to-face has unlocked so many doors. We’ve had evening networking events to bring people together. In one practice the pharmacy was in the same building, but the pharmacist and admin lead had never met. Pharmacy First challenges those silos. It’s about listening, teamwork and recognising the common good.”
Embedding the new system has not been without its challenges. It will take time for everyone to become accustomed to the new ways of working, and the PCC is aware of and trying to influence solutions for IT issues that have arisen. However, we’re seeing real success as new lines of communication between the practices and the community pharmacists open. Pharmacies are providing a more accessible service, and some GP time has already been saved. Most importantly, Community Pharmacies and Practices have a shared understanding of how we can work together to support our patients.