
Think Pharmacy First
Local pharmacists are reminding residents about the benefits of visiting their pharmacy first to get help for their health.
There are 193 pharmacies across mid and south Essex, offering residents expert advice to help them manage a range of illnesses and give advice on medicines. Most of these pharmacies are also now offering ‘Pharmacy First’ services, which enable patients to receive care and treatment where necessary for minor illnesses and seven common health conditions, without needing a GP appointment.
The trend of visiting a pharmacy first for minor health concerns is growing, with around 3,000 people per month in mid and south Essex self-referring to community pharmacies. Over 2,000 people per month are being signposted to these services from GP practices.

Accessing Pharmacy First services
The following table shows the 7 conditions pharmacists can manage across various age ranges.
| Clinical pathway | Age range |
| Acute otitis media* | 1 to 17 years |
| Impetigo | 1 year and over |
| Infected insect bites | 1 year and over |
| Shingles | 18 years and over |
| Sinusitis | 12 years and over |
| Sore throat | 5 years and over |
| Uncomplicated urinary tract infections | Women 16-64 years |