The Pharmacy First scheme allows pharmacists to supply antibiotics without the patient needing to see a GP, which has led to questions about the impact on antimicrobial stewardship.

ICBs and others can monitor antimicrobial supply data specific to Pharmacy First, as opposed to FP10 prescription supply, via the ‘Antimicrobial Stewardship – Pharmacy First dashboard’, through ePACT2 (requiring registration).¹²

CPE anticipates that, in due course, “independent prescribers will be able to use their skills to complete episodes of care within the service, without the need for a PGD. However, for the time being, all pharmacists providing the service must use the PGDs and clinical protocol.”⁴