Pharmacy First Service Overview
Setup and Ongoing Payments:
1.
Initial Fixed Payment: A setup fee of £2,000 will be available in December
2023 for those offering the Pharmacy First Service.
2. Ongoing Fixed Payments: Additional monthly payments of £1,000, contingent on meeting a low threshold of consultations, ranging from 1 to 10 in the first six months.
Service
Expansion:
1. Incorporation of CPCS: The existing Community Pharmacist Consultation Service (CPCS) will be merged and rebranded under Pharmacy First from
January 31, 2024. Consultation fees will increase to £15.
2. Conditions Covered: Includes sinusitis, sore throat, acute otitis media, infected insect bites, impetigo, shingles, and uncomplicated urinary tract infections in women, with self-referral options and GP referrals.
3. Equipment Requirements: Some testing equipment and devices will be necessary for service
provision.
Enhanced Contraceptive and Blood Pressure Services:
1. Blood Pressure
Service: Easier delivery with training extended to more staff types.
2. Contraceptive Service Expansion: Tier 2 services will be introduced, encompassing the initiation of contraception for new patients. This requires significant training and is a low-volume service.
3. Bundling Requirements: By March 31, 2025, pharmacies must offer both Contraception and Hypertension Case-Finding Services alongside Pharmacy First to qualify for the £1,000 monthly payment.
Financial Aspects and Impacts:
1. Budget Management: Maximum caps will be implemented in the next 12 months to manage NHS budget expenditures.
2. Scaling Targets: The £1,000 monthly payment will be contingent on progressively higher service targets, potentially exceeding 30
consultations.
3. Category M Adjustments: Some of the £645 million investment will address category M cuts, with no increases in dispensing fees or margin, and
current overspends being offset.
