Pharmacy First Summary Report Winter/Spring 2025
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Healthwatch Coventry undertook research on the effectiveness and uptake of the Pharmacy First service and people’s experiences of using community pharmacies for minor ailments. The research was conducted between February and May 2025 and included a survey completed by 164 people, two community focus groups, 21 hours of outreach activity, and discussions with 12 pharmacists from across the city.
The research found that awareness of Pharmacy First remained limited, with only 43% of respondents aware of the service. However, among the 32 people who had used Pharmacy First, 77% rated the service as good or excellent, and many valued being seen quickly, receiving advice promptly and avoiding the need for a GP appointment. Nearly 80% of respondents said accessing their local pharmacy was easy or very easy.
Participants and pharmacists identified several challenges. These included a lack of public awareness, inconsistent referrals from GP practices, confusion about what conditions Pharmacy First can treat, and concerns among some people about pharmacists’ qualifications. Healthwatch also found issues relating to pharmacy opening times, delays in prescription processing, accessibility difficulties for people with sight or mobility impairments, and concerns about prescription charges among some refugee and asylum-seeking communities.
Healthwatch concluded that Pharmacy First is a valued and effective service that can help reduce pressure on GP practices, but greater promotion and understanding are needed. Recommendations included increasing public and professional awareness of the service, improving communication between GPs and pharmacies, ensuring pharmacies are accessible for people with additional needs, clarifying charging arrangements, and reassuring patients about pharmacists’ clinical expertise and the range of conditions they can safely treat.