CCA releases best practice report to support Pharmacy First implementation

The Company Chemists Association (CCA) has published a report highlighting the key findings of a roundtable it hosted earlier this month.

The CCA convened the virtual roundtable to examine the best practice undertaken by a cross-section of LPCs to promote the delivery of the Pharmacy First service.

Key recommendations for how LPCs can help support pharmacy contractors to deliver the Pharmacy First service include:

Direct engagement with NHS regions who can supply funding to drive Pharmacy First engagement and promotional activity.
Engagement with a variety of staff within GP surgeries, ranging from reception staff to GP partners, to drive referrals, as well as build understanding and
awareness of the benefits to General Practice.
Harnessing data to inform GP surgeries how they are performing locally
Using data to ensure pharmacies close any open referrals promptly.
Using multiple channels to promote the service, including the sharing of best practice, myth busting, use of data and creating tools which can be readily used by
pharmacies and GPs.
Encouraging pharmacy staff to highlight the Pharmacy First service to customers – with specific emphasis on the provision of NHS-funded care, timely access and
convenience the service provides.
The CCA said the report is intended to support all LPCs and pharmacy contractors as they work together to care for patients requiring urgent NHS care in their
community.