Using community pharmacy services

Following the announcement of the national ‘Pharmacy First’ model, where pharmacies would be empowered to act as an alternative to GPs for certain conditions, Healthwatch Central Bedfordshire (HWCB) was interested in how local residents currently use pharmacy services and whether they would utilise their local pharmacy more if they were aware of additional services, and/or if they would prefer to speak to a pharmacist rathe than visiting their GP. HWCB was interested in hearing about any improvements, advice or other services local residents would like to access at their local pharmacy, and for them to rate their overall pharmacy experience.

HWCB developed a survey to understand public attitudes and views, with the aim of creating an understanding and awareness of the range of services pharmacies currently provide and interviewed two local pharmacists to learn about their views. The survey was online with hard copies distributed at outreach events and activities over an eight-week period between October and November 2023. Both interviews were undertaken in November 2023.

In total 161 people responded. Just over half said they visit the pharmacy monthly and most used their local pharmacy as opposed to a dispensing GP pharmacy or online service. Many were aware of essential services provided by pharmacies, with prescribing, dispensing and disposal of unwanted or out of date medicines being most well-known. However, for all other essential services awareness was low.

Overall, 67% would consider using their pharmacy before contacting other services, although 44% never used their pharmacy to provide advice on a current health problem or long-term health condition.

Both pharmacists have concerns about the model but are also cautiously optimistic about the potential for Pharmacy First, if funded properly. Concerns focused on IT systems, staffing, resources, capacity and the practical implementation of changes.