Patchs Pharmacy First is being rolled out. If you'd like to request to use Patchs Pharmacy First now please email features@patchs.ai
The NHS Pharmacy First Service is now available on Patchs. This enhances the capabilities of local and online pharmacies to handle minor illnesses and urgent medication needs effectively. The integration aims to optimise healthcare delivery by ensuring patients receive timely and appropriate care and alleviate pressure on GP practices by referring patients with minor ailments.
The service directs patients to local pharmacists and an online pharmacy service, for seven common conditions:
- 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)
- UTI (Women 16-64 years)
- Acute otitis media (1 to 17 years, in-person consultations only)
Seamless Integration into Patchs in 3 places
Once the Pharmacy First feature is requested and enabled, accessing the Pharmacy First service is straightforward for patients:
1. Practice Landing Page
Patients can self-direct to the Pharmacy First service before contacting the practice. This feature is especially beneficial when the practice is closed or all Patchs slots are full for the day.
2. Patchs AI Chatbot
When enabled, the Patchs AI Chatbot will suggest the Pharmacy First service to appropriate patients when submitting their Patchs request using the AI Care Navigator.
3. Manual Direction
Practices can also guide patients to the Pharmacy First service manually using pre-built message templates within Patchs.
Video demo (90 seconds)
What happens when the patient selects the Pharmacy First option?
When they select the Pharmacy First service, they will have the option to:
- Locate nearby in-person pharmacies, where they can receive further assistance.
- Receive help from an online pharmacy after completing a clinical pathway questionnaire to assess their suitability.
You will receive communications from the pharmacy if they treat your patient and the patient consents to sharing that information.
Note: For in-person pharmacies, the system provides location and contact details but does not currently integrate with the pharmacy’s appointment booking systems or ask the patient to complete the clinical pathway questionnaires. Patients will discuss their needs directly with the pharmacist upon arrival.
FAQs
-
Why is an online pharmacy service included?
While we show patients all their local pharmacies, the online service provides another option and increases accessibility for those who can't easily access these services. -
Who provides the online pharmacy service?
It is provided by Evaro, who are registered with the General Pharmaceutical Council (9012167). Evaro is paid by NHSE to provide the service, and Patchs Health receives a commission from Evaro.
-
If patients use the online pharmacist, do they have to change their nominated pharmacy?
No. This only covers the NHS Pharmacy First Programme for that individual consultation.
-
Will the online pharmacist send the patient their medication?
Yes. It will be sent to them by post – usually within 1-2 business days - at no additional cost.
-
Is there a cost involved?
No. It is completely free to the patient and the GP practice. The cost of the online pharmacy service is covered by NHSE as part of the Pharmacy First programme.