Story perspectives

Pharmacy First Scheme Thrives Amid Access Challenges

10/24/2025

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Summary

Story summary

The Pharmacy First scheme in England delivered five million patient consultations in its first year, reducing demand for general practitioner appointments.
Sore throats were the most common issue, with 836,000 consultations.
The National Pharmacy Association says pharmacy numbers have fallen, with one in ten closures in a decade, worsening access to medication and care.
The association identified the top ten 'pharmacy deserts' and urged continued government support to improve access to healthcare.

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Story summary

The Pharmacy First scheme in England delivered five million patient consultations in its first year, reducing demand for general practitioner appointments.
Sore throats were the most common issue, with 836,000 consultations.
The National Pharmacy Association says pharmacy numbers have fallen, with one in ten closures in a decade, worsening access to medication and care.
The association identified the top ten 'pharmacy deserts' and urged continued government support to improve access to healthcare.