Community pharmacies in England have received a boost after the Government decided to reduce the minimum number of Pharmacy First consultations they need to complete in August to secure the £1,000 payment.

Pharmacy’s negotiator said the Department of Health and Social Care and NHS England had reacted to concerns that stretched pharmacies were struggling to hit the monthly consultation threshold by reducing next month’s number from 20 to 15.

For the time being, the threshold for September remains at 20 consultations and rises to 30 from October, although CPE chief executive Janet Morrison (pictured) said the negotiator will “review ongoing service data” with the DHSC and NHSE to consider the “implications” of those month’s thresholds on pharmacies, with “the impact of seasonality and low levels of GP referrals” in mind.

Morrison revealed the DHSC and NHSE rejected its argument that the minimum number for August should be reduced to 10 but insisted she was “pleased” ministers had listened to their concerns about August.

“This ministerial decision only provides an easement for the next month,” she said. “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.”

Morrison urged NHSE to “match” pharmacies’ commitment to Pharmacy First by producing “more effective advertising” to ensure GPs refer as many patients as possible.

“It is our strongly held view that community pharmacy has carried out its side of the bargain in launching the Pharmacy First service – preparing and training their teams and promoting the service to GPs, other health professionals and the public. [Pharmacy teams] could not have worked harder,” she said.

Company Chemists’ Association chief executive Malcolm Harrison said it was “imperative” the DHSC and NHSE “continue to monitor service data so pharmacy engagement can be maintained.”

“We welcome this sensible decision to adjust the August threshold for Pharmacy First activity, something that we have been calling for,” he said.

“Pharmacy First is already delivering for patients and the NHS, with engagement continuing to grow.  However, it will take time for patients’ behaviour to change and to think ‘Pharmacy First’. In the meantime, we need concerted efforts to boost GP referrals and run targeted awareness campaigns to ensure patients are aware of this new access route.”

Harrison added: “The CCA will continue to support policymakers to make informed and evidence-based decisions, off the back of the data analysis we have been providing from day one.”