Pharmacy First enables people to receive treatment from high street pharmacies for seven common conditions, minor illnesses and urgent medicine supply without needing to see their GP, NHS walk in centre or urgent care setting.   

Dr Paula Cowan, GP and regional medical director for primary care for NHS England in the North West, said: ‘Pharmacy First is committed to providing individuals with quick and accessible care without the need for a GP visit. By bringing together community pharmacies and general practice teams, we are enhancing the healthcare experience for our local population.

‘The success of Pharmacy First has been remarkable, with over 95% of pharmacies across the North West participating in this initiative, ensuring that patients can easily access the health support and treatments they need.'

The latest available data shows between January 2024 – April 2025 there were almost 415,000 patients in the North West who had been able to get advice, treatment and medicines from their local pharmacy for seven common conditions, covering sinusitis, sore throat, earache, infected insect bite, impetigo, shingles and uncomplicated urinary tract infections.  

In the same period, pharmacies across the region also delivered over 245,000 consultations for minor illness referrals and more than 292,000 consultations for urgent medicine supplies.