This Community Pharmacy England video describes Pharmacy First, an NHS service that lets patients consult pharmacists for common minor conditions without always needing a GP appointment. It explains how Pharmacy First builds on the community pharmacist consultation service to provide faster access to advice and treatment.

The video states that GP practices and other health services can electronically refer patients to community pharmacy for a minor illness consultation. For seven specified conditions pharmacists may supply an NHS medicine where clinically appropriate: sinusitis, sore throat, acute otitis media, infected insect bite, impetigo, shingles and uncomplicated urinary tract infections in women.

Referrals can come from general practice, NHS 111, 111 online, 999 services, primary care out-of-hours and urgent and emergency care settings. Treatment supplied through the service should be recorded in the patient's GP record. If the pharmacist cannot manage the presenting condition, the patient should be referred to another appropriate service such as their GP practice or an emergency department.