Healthwatch Wigan & Leigh is asking residents across the Borough to share their views and experiences of Pharmacy First, the NHS service that allows people to get faster advice and treatment from their local pharmacy.

As the independent health and care champion for Wigan and Leigh, Healthwatch’s role is to listen to local people and ensure their voices are heard. It collects feedback from residents about their experiences of services such as GP practices, hospitals, care homes, dentists, and pharmacies, and then uses this evidence to influence those in charge of planning and delivering healthcare. The aim is to make sure that health and care services meet the needs of local people and continue to improve.

Pharmacy First was introduced by the NHS to give patients easier and quicker access to treatment for minor conditions, while also helping to reduce the pressure on GP practices. Instead of booking an appointment with a doctor, residents can visit a community pharmacy for help with common conditions such as sore throats, ear infections, urinary tract infections, skin problems and other minor illnesses.

Healthwatch Wigan & Leigh has now launched a project to understand how well this service is working locally. The project is open to all residents, whether they have used Pharmacy First or not. Healthwatch is keen to hear from people who have had positive experiences as well as those who feel the service could be improved. The aim is to gather a wide range of views so that any strengths or weaknesses in the system can be identified and shared with the NHS.

Tell us what you think about Pharmacy First

placeholder image — Tell us what you think about Pharmacy First

So far, Healthwatch Wigan & Leigh has promoted the project through social media, where local residents have already been asked if they have used Pharmacy First and how it has benefited them. Some responses have highlighted how the service can save time and provide quick reassurance, while others have raised questions about awareness of the scheme and how accessible it is in practice. Healthwatch is now extending its appeal to the wider community to ensure that as many voices as possible are heard before the project closes in late 2025.

Feedback is being gathered through a range of channels to make it easy for people to take part. Residents can share their experiences by email, over the phone, through social media, or directly on the Healthwatch website. All responses will be treated confidentially, and the findings will be used to build a detailed picture of how the service is performing across Wigan and Leigh.

The evidence collected during this project will then be shared with NHS leaders and decision makers to ensure that the service continues to develop in a way that meets the needs of the local population. By providing feedback, residents can play a direct role in shaping the future of health and care in the Borough.

To take part, residents can contact Healthwatch Wigan & Leigh by:

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 01942 834666

Social media: HealthwatchWL on Facebook and Instagram

Website: www.healthwatch.co.uk/have-your-say