Pharmacy First thresholds: 30th August update

The ability of pharmacy owners to achieve the thresholds for the monthly Pharmacy First payment has been a topic of great concern for pharmacy owners and Community Pharmacy England.

Following representations by Community Pharmacy England Ministers agreed to make an adjustment for August but there have been no further updates since then. This means that, as things stand, the Pharmacy First threshold will be increasing to 20 clinical pathway consultations for the month of September.

It is our strongly held view that community pharmacy has carried out its side of the bargain in launching the Pharmacy First service, but NHS England need to match that commitment through more effective advertising and ensuring that GPs refer as many patients as possible.

Janet Morrison, Chief Executive of Community Pharmacy England, said:

“The ability of pharmacy owners to meet the Pharmacy First monthly payment thresholds is a major ongoing concern, and the latest data highlights this burning issue. The change for August did help ease the situation for some, but we urgently need Ministers to take further action to support pharmacies through the planned ramp up in thresholds for September and October. Amidst a funding crisis, community pharmacies cannot afford to lose out on this vital payment.

We remain determined to push for full commitment on all sides to the shared objective of making the service a success, mindful that it is critical to the Government’s manifesto commitment to build on the service to create a wider Community Pharmacist Prescribing Service. It is our strongly held view that community pharmacy has carried out its side of the bargain in launching the Pharmacy First service, but NHS England need to match that commitment through more effective advertising and ensuring that GPs refer as many patients as possible.”