Why is it important for practices to refer patients to Pharmacy First?
- To help with capacity in the practice so practice appointments can be used for patients who really need them
- To improve access for patients with minor illnesses
- To change patient behaviour so they go to community pharmacy as the ‘first port of call’ for minor illness and medicines advice
- To support the integration of community pharmacy into the PCN team
- To create improved relationships between practices and community pharmacies to deliver high quality and integrated care to patients
- To help patients self-manage their health more effectively with the support of community pharmacists