Pharmacy First: Referrals for Minor Illness
Written by AlisonFreemantle on Thursday 28th March 2024
A reminder these referrals can still be completed
Following the introduction of the 7 clinical pathways we have seen a number of rejections by pharmacies for some of the low acuity, minor illnesses.
These minor illnesses can still be completed as part of Pharmacy First.
You may not know which service the patient is suitable for until you assess them. E.g. a patient may have a referral for a sore throat from the GP surgery or from 111. Until assessment you will not know whether suitable for the clinical pathway or for PF minor illness (old CPCS referral).
A list of minor illness symptoms groups identified for referral to a community pharmacist (this list is not exhaustive):​
| Acne, spots, and pimples | Allergic reaction |
| Ankle or foot pain or swelling | Athlete’s foot |
| Bites or stings, insect, or spider | Blisters |
| Constipation | Cough |
| Cold and ‘flu | Diarrhoea |
| Ear discharge or ear wax | Earache |
| Eye, red or irritable | Eye, sticky or watery |
| Eyelid problems | Hair loss |
| Headache | Hearing problems or blocked ear |
| Hip, thigh, or buttock pain or swelling itch | Knee or lower leg pain |
| Lower back pain | Lower limb pain or swelling |
| Mouth ulcers | Nasal congestion |
| Pain and/or frequency passing urine | Rectal pain |
| Scabies | Scratches and grazes |
| Sinusitis | Shoulder pain |
| Skin, blisters or rash | Sleep difficulties |
| Sore throat | Teething |
| Tiredness | Toe pain or swelling |
| Vaginal discharge | Vaginal itch or soreness |
| Vomiting | Wound problems |
| Wrist, hand, or finger pain or swelling |