Agenda item

Presentation attached from Fin McCaul

Fin McCaul presented an update on the Pharmacy First initiative and its implementation across the Bury locality. He began by thanking the Committee for reviewing the presentation in advance. He noted that although the programme had a slow start in January 2024, it has since gained momentum, with increasing consultations across seven clinical conditions, including hypertension. Collaboration with GPs has been key to this growth.

He referred to slides 63 to 65, which demonstrated that Bury had achieved one of the highest completion rates across primary care boards. Slide 68 highlighted the initiative’s role in protecting public health during challenging times, with no increase in costs and stable core finances. Page 69 outlined the advice provided across Greater Manchester, showing consistency in delivery and uptake.

A question was raised about the variation in referral rates between practices, specifically whether lower-performing practices were simply not engaging or whether the higher-performing ones were significantly larger. Fin responded that both factors could be contributing. Some practices may not yet be fully utilising the service, while others, despite their size, may face internal barriers. He acknowledged that further analysis is needed to understand these discrepancies.

Another member asked how residents could better access the service and why awareness remains limited. Fin explained that while the service is accessible, it is transitioning from a walk-in model to an appointment-based system to manage capacity more effectively. He agreed that awareness needs to improve and committed to sharing a communications pack with the Committee to support local promotion efforts.

Concerns were raised about public confidence in pharmacists’ ability to prescribe. In response, Fin assured the Committee that pharmacists undergo extensive training, including a four-year university degree followed by a foundation year. Only after this are they qualified to prescribe. He added that patient feedback has been positive, and that cultural change is underway, though it takes time.

A member shared a positive personal experience with Pharmacy First and asked how awareness could be expanded beyond word of mouth. Fin noted that NHS England has been involved in advertising the service and that a bedding-in process is ongoing at the Greater Manchester level to ensure consistent messaging and uptake.

There was a question about whether the initiative was designed to relieve pressure on GPs and whether pharmacists have the capacity to take on this additional workload. Fin confirmed that reducing GP pressure was a key goal. He stated that while capacity exists, the service is currently only 50% funded, which limits its full potential. He emphasized the need to move towards appointment-based models to ensure efficiency and avoid overburdening staff. Concerns were expressed that if the service is not run efficiently, it could become counterproductive. Fin acknowledged this risk and stressed the importance of sustainable funding and operational planning.

Another concern was raised about the increasing workload placed on pharmacists and the risk of burnout, especially given that they are not being fully compensated. There was also worry that the sector could be pushed towards privatization or bankruptcy. Fin responded that pharmacists are currently being paid only 50% of what is owed under the national contract.

He emphasized that while pharmacists are not unhappy with the work itself, the financial model is unsustainable. He reiterated that pharmacists are highly trained professionals whose role is to ensure patients receive the most effective treatments. However, without changes to national policy and funding, the viability of community pharmacies is at risk. He also noted a worrying trend of pharmacy closures and the rise of online-only providers, which do not offer the same community presence.

Finally, a question was asked about what local representatives can do to support the initiative and help raise awareness. Fin confirmed that a communications pack would be shared with the Committee to assist in promoting the service within local communities.

It Was Agreed:

·         The presentation be noted

·         Fin be thanked for the update and the committee provided support of the initiatiive