Pharmacy First was launched in January 2024.

The service consists of three core elements:

1. Urgent medicine supply (referral only – NB Not from General Practice)
2. Minor illness (referral only)
3. Seven clinical pathways consultation (referral and suitable patients identified by the contractor).

As part of the service, there is a patient led EMIS triage tool functionality which is available to all practices.

This system enables the patients who are able to, to complete the form for their symptoms themselves, saving practices time.

The request then comes to the practice workflow and all that is required is to check patient details are correct and matched and that the patient symptoms are appropriate for a referral to pharmacy first as the system has identified. Once this request is approved the referral is sent across to the pharmacy of the patient’s choice and clinical interventions take place accordingly.

Further information, including patient facing resources have been provided.

If you have any further queries or would like support in setting the system, contact: info@emishealth.com.