New Conditions Coming Soon
Pharmacy First is expanding...
Five new conditions are being added to the Pharmacy First service, giving patients more opportunities to get advice and treatment from their local pharmacy.
The announcement has been widely reported in the news, but there is an important point to be aware of: the new pathways aren't available at pharmacies yet.
At Peak Pharmacy, we're preparing for the changes and will let our patients know when the new services are available.
In the meantime, the existing Pharmacy First service remains available for seven common conditions.
Five new conditions are being added:
The expansion will introduce five additional Pharmacy First prescribing pathways:
1: Acute otitis externa
Adults aged 18 years and over.
Acute otitis externa affects the outer ear canal and can cause earache, irritation and inflammation. The new pathway will allow eligible adults to be assessed and treated by a pharmacist.
2: Seasonal allergic rhinitis
Children aged 4 to 11 years.
Seasonal allergic rhinitis is commonly known as hay fever. It can cause symptoms such as sneezing, a runny or blocked nose, and itchy or watery eyes.
The new pathway will provide another way for eligible children to get help with these symptoms.
3: Mild to moderate acne
Young people.
Mild to moderate acne will also be included in the expanded service, allowing eligible young people to get advice and treatment from a participating pharmacy.
4: Migraine
Adults aged 18 to 64 years.
The new pathway covers low-frequency, episodic migraine. Pharmacists will be able to assess eligible adults and, where appropriate, prescribe treatment.
5: Mild skin and soft tissue infections and scabies
The fifth new pathway will cover mild skin and soft tissue infections, as well as scabies.
As with the existing Pharmacy First pathways, the pharmacist will assess your symptoms before deciding whether treatment through the service is appropriate.
When will the new Pharmacy First services be available?
You may have seen the announcement in the news already, but the new services aren't available at every pharmacy just yet.
The new prescribing pathways are being introduced from autumn 2026, initially through participating pharmacies. Pharmacies need to meet the relevant requirements before they can provide the new services.
We're currently preparing for the expansion here at Peak Pharmacy. Once the new pathways are available at our participating branches, we'll share more information with our patients.
If you're looking for help with one of the five new conditions, it's therefore worth checking with your local Peak Pharmacy before visiting, as availability will depend on whether that branch is providing the new service.
Need help with one of the existing conditions?
If you're currently struggling with one of the seven conditions already covered by Pharmacy First, you can speak to your local Peak Pharmacy now.
Our pharmacists can assess your symptoms and, where appropriate, provide treatment through the existing service. You don't necessarily need to see your GP first.
You can contact your local branch to find out more or, where available, book a video consultation online.
Have a question about Pharmacy First?
If you've seen the recent announcements and aren't sure whether Pharmacy First can help with your symptoms, speak to your local Peak Pharmacy team.
They can explain what the service currently covers and advise you on the options available at your local branch.
We'll update this page as the new Pharmacy First pathways are introduced.
