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Over 5 million patients have used Pharmacy First since it launched in early 2024, NHS England has said.

Breaking down how different elements of the service are being used, NHSE – which has not come close to spending the money set aside for the service – said around 2.4 million members of the public have gone through common condition clinical pathways, with acute sore throat (835,679 consultations) and uncomplicated UTIs (665,409) the most frequently accessed. 

Pharmacies have also handled 1.5 million minor illness consultations following patient referral and carried out 1.4 million urgent medicine supply consultations. 

Chief pharmaceutical officer David Webb said: “I’d like to thank pharmacists, pharmacy technicians and all the staff who are employed in pharmacies for their hard work in providing high quality clinical advice and care to more than 5 million people.

“The 78,000 registered pharmacists and pharmacy technicians in England are skilled professionals who operate in the heart of the NHS and their communities and are highly trusted by the public.”

Pharmacy minister Stephen Kinnock added: “As we deliver our Plan for Change to rebuild the health service, pharmacies will remain a priority, so people get the care they need close to home.”

Sharing data from its member companies such as Boots and Pharmacy2U, the Company Chemists’ Association’s policy head Nick Thayer commented: “Our data shows that over a quarter (27 per cent) of Pharmacy First consultations took place in the 20 per cent most deprived areas and amongst our members, demand on Sundays is double the average of that during the week. 

“Pharmacy First is clearly meeting patient demand and creating vital capacity in primary care.

“We estimate that expanding Pharmacy First could free up to 40 million GP appointments annually — around a tenth of all GP appointments.”