More than 952,000 consultations have taken place in the region since the launch of the Pharmacy First service enabling 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.

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 more than 245,000 consultations for minor illness referrals and more than 292,000 consultations for urgent medicine supplies.

This community pharmacy service supports the government’s ambition to bring more care closer to people’s homes ahead of the 10 Year Health Plan with the NHS prioritising primary care access.

Dr Paula Cowan is a GP, and Regional Medical Director for Primary Care for NHS England in the North West. She 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.

“Eight in ten people live within a 20-minute walk from a pharmacy, and we are excited about the expanded services being offered. The changes implemented by the NHS have made it easier for people to manage and treat common health issues. Including support to identify patients who may be at risk of high blood pressure and increased access to oral contraception services, all in a convenient and caring environment.”

Via the service, pharmacies across the North West have delivered the most consultations for acute sore throats (140,681) followed by uncomplicated urinary tract infections UTIs (116,126).

A recent Ipsos Mori study showed that the public identify pharmacies as the organisation they would be most likely to go to if they needed information or advice about a minor health condition (58%), but one in five (20%) say they do not normally contact or visit a community pharmacy.

Benjamin Fell is a Superintendent Pharmacist at Carnforth Pharmacy. He said: “Community pharmacy teams play a vital role in keeping local communities healthy and well. If you’re unwell then our highly trained staff and pharmacists can see you in a private consultation room and often provide the medication you need there and then.”

“Like most pharmacies, we have provided the Pharmacy First service since it started. It allows us to support our communities by offering treatment and care when and where they need it most. We work alongside general practice colleagues to ensure the best possible care is given to patients, resolving most problems in the pharmacy whilst progressing those who need it through to general practice.”

Rizwan, Pharmacist and Owner of Everwell Pharmacy in Timperley, said: “Community pharmacy colleagues play a vital role in keeping local communities healthy and well, and now do even more.  Each pharmacy has a private consultation room, highly trained pharmacists and support staff who can see and treat patients and if appropriate offer medication.”

Siraaj Bukera, Pharmacist and Manager at Moorgate Pharmacy in Bury, said: “Bringing healthcare a step closer, pharmacy first empowers local pharmacists to be the initial point of contact for common ailments, easing the pressure on GP’s and offering convenient expert care to the community”.