Over 350,000 people across the South East have received treatment and support from their high street pharmacy since the launch of the Pharmacy First initiative last year. 

The Pharmacy First service covers seven common conditions – sinusitis, sore throat, earache, infected insect bite, impetigo, shingles, and uncomplicated urinary tract infections.   

Between January 2024 and February 2025, 353,394 consultations have taken place at pharmacies across the region, providing treatment for seven common conditions, minor illnesses and urgent medicine supply without needing to see a GP.     

In this time, 225,296 patients have been able to get urgent medicine supplies from their pharmacy with 193,185 having been seen for a minor illness.  

Pharmacy First has meant more people can get care closer to home, without the need to make a GP appointment, as the NHS in the region focuses on improving primary care access and shifting from hospital to community ahead of the publication of the 10 Year Health Plan.  

Between January 2024 and February 2025, the most common condition seen via Pharmacy First in the South East was sore throats, (111,226), followed by uncomplicated UTIs (92,633). In February 2025 alone, 12,828 consultations were undertaken for acute sore throats.  

Inderjit Sanghera, Chief Pharmacist, for the NHS in the South East, said:

“Pharmacy First has provided a vital service to patients across the region, and it is brilliant to see that South East residents are using the service so keenly.  

“These figures demonstrate the real impact of pharmacy-led consultations, easing pressures on GP practices and ensuring people receive fast, expert care within their communities.” 

Viv from Hampshire used the Pharmacy First service when she was suffering from a suspected insect bite. Rather than needing to make a GP appointment to get a diagnosis and treatment, she simply visited her high street pharmacy. 

Viv said: “The pharmacist examined the bite and agreed it was infected. She prescribed me antibiotics, and I was able to start my treatment by 10am that same morning.”