CCA members celebrate hitting 200,000 Pharmacy First consultations milestone

Since its launch on January 31st, the Pharmacy First service by the Company Chemists Association (CCA) has achieved a significant milestone, completing over
200,000 consultations to date.

This milestone underscores the service’s vital role in providing same-day NHS care through community pharmacies across England.

Recent analysis by the CCA has revealed a pressing need to bolster GP referrals, with disparities observed between different Integrated Care System (ICS) areas,
resulting in what’s described as a ‘postcode lottery’ for patients.

CCA Chief Executive, Malcolm Harrison, emphasised the importance of sustained funding for Pharmacy First beyond 2025, ensuring its availability for patients,
community pharmacies, and the wider NHS.