Professional Perspectives on Pharmacy First in Barking and Dagenham

The Pharmacy First scheme allows patients in England to receive advice, treatment, and some prescription medicines directly from community pharmacies for common conditions without needing to see a GP. It aims to reduce pressure on GP services by enabling pharmacists to manage minor illnesses like sore throats, earaches, and urinary tract infections.

As part of this project, we are now seeking the views of professionals working across Barking and Dagenham, including those in NHS services, local authority teams, and the voluntary and community sector. This stage of the research aims to understand awareness, understanding, and practical use of the NHS Pharmacy First service from a professional perspective. Part 2 explores how well the service is understood and utilised by professionals who may signpost or support residents in accessing it. This includes identifying levels of awareness, the frequency of service recommendations, the effectiveness of signposting in practice, and any barriers that may prevent effective use.
The findings will help Healthwatch Barking and Dagenham identify opportunities to improve awareness, strengthen collaboration between services, and ensure residents are directed to the most appropriate care as efficiently as possible.