Pharmacy First (Minor Ailments)

What is Pharmacy First (Minor Ailments) service?

This service was first introduced to Northern Ireland in 2005, and referral into the service includes referral from GP practices, the community pharmacist or self-referral by the patient. Using this service the pharmacist can supply advice or, advice and medicines for treatment of certain ailments, to suitable patients. Patients are not charged for this service.

This helps to:

  • Encourages patients to self-treat minor ailments

  • Supports the use of pharmacy as a first point of call for health advice allowing pharmacists to make more use of their clinical skills

  • Improves patient access to treatment without the need to contact their GP practice

  • Provides an alternative to a GP consultation for minor ailments, allowing GPs more time for patients with more complex medical needs

  • Benefits other parts of the healthcare service particularly Emergency departments and Out-Of-Hours medical services (OOHs)

Promotional poster for "Pharmacy First" by Health and Social Care, highlighting free advice for everyday health conditions. Includes cartoon figures and conditions like acne, athlete's foot, and oral thrush.