Pharmacy First in Staffordshire

Healthwatch Staffordshire wanted to find out how Pharmacy First was working in practice following Enter and View visits to two pharmacies in 2025. They undertook research with over 100 pharmacies, 91 members of the public and 8 GPs to look in more depth at how Pharmacy First is working for all parties in Staffordshire.

Just over half of the patients surveyed were aware of the service, while just under half reported not knowing what it was. A lack of patient awareness was also evident from consultations with pharmacists. Only 23% were referred by their GP, suggesting that GPs might be reluctant to refer.

Many patients were happy to be seen by a pharmacist rather than a GP. Those that would prefer to see a GP were more likely to need support with complex long term conditions or preferred continuity of care.

Nearly four in five pharmacists felt that Pharmacy First benefitted their business. The biggest barrier to Pharmacy First highlighted by pharmacists was a lack of GP referrals, followed closely by patient awareness.

Over four in five of pharmacists reported the need for additional staff training to implement the service effectively.

Nearly three quarters were satisfied with how Pharmacy First had been implemented.

Although Healthwatch tried to engage with GPs on Pharmacy First, only 8 responded.