Royal College of Pharmacy welcomes expansion of Pharmacy First Services
Published: 10 September 2026
Commenting on the Government’s expansion of the NHS Pharmacy First service in England, which will enable patients to receive treatment for five additional conditions through participating community pharmacies, Chair of the Royal College of Pharmacy’s English Pharmacy Advisory Council, Professor Mahendra Patel OBE, said:
“We welcome the expansion of the NHS Pharmacy First service in England to include treatment for migraines, acne, ear infections, rhinitis and scabies.
“The expansion of clinical services not only empowers patients with greater choice on where and how they receive care but also makes the most of the valuable skills of pharmacists and their teams.
“It reinforces the value of the clinical expertise that pharmacists bring to patients, communities and the wider NHS, through providing services that are convenient, accessible and trusted by the public.
“As Pharmacy First continues to evolve, it is vital that investment in the pharmacy workforce and infrastructure keeps pace with growing demand. The College looks forward to working with the NHS, government and pharmacy teams to ensure patients can continue to benefit from high-quality, clinical care delivered through their local pharmacy.”
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