Health Column: Pharmacy First project nears its conclusion

As the project now comes to an end, we’re inviting residents to take this final chance to share their experiences by completing our Microsoft feedback form, available until December 31 2025.

Pharmacy First Project Nears Its Conclusion – Last Chance to Share Your Views

In August 2025, Healthwatch Wigan and Leigh proudly launched the Pharmacy First project, a community‑focused initiative designed to make healthcare more accessible by enabling local pharmacies to provide advice, treatment, and support for a range of minor conditions.

Over the past several months, the project has given residents across Wigan and Leigh the opportunity to experience a new way of accessing healthcare, reducing pressure on GP surgeries and ensuring that people could receive timely help close to home.

As we approach the end of the year, we want to let our community know that the Pharmacy First project is now drawing to a close.

The pilot has provided valuable insights into how pharmacies can play a bigger role in frontline healthcare, and your feedback has been central to shaping our understanding of what worked well and where improvements could be made.

Why Your Feedback Matters

Healthwatch exists to amplify the voices of local people in health and social care.

The Pharmacy First project was designed not only to test new ways of delivering care but also to listen to the experiences of those who used it.

Every story, every comment, and every suggestion helps us build a clearer picture of how services can be improved for everyone.

By sharing your experience, you are helping us highlight the strengths of the project and identify areas that need further attention.

This feedback will be passed on to decision‑makers in the NHS and local health services, ensuring that your voice directly influences the future of healthcare in Wigan and Leigh.

The Final Deadline

Although the project itself is ending, there is still time to make your views heard.

Our Microsoft feedback form remains open until December 31st, 2025.

This is the final opportunity to let us know how Pharmacy First worked for you.

Whether you had a positive experience, faced challenges, or simply want to suggest improvements, we encourage you to take a few minutes to complete the form.

After the deadline, we will compile all responses into a comprehensive report.

This report will be shared with local health leaders and policymakers, ensuring that the lessons learned from Pharmacy First continue to shape future services long after the project has ended.

Looking Ahead

While Pharmacy First is coming to an end, the insights gained will not be lost.

Healthwatch Wigan and Leigh will continue to champion the voices of local people and advocate for accessible, high‑quality healthcare.

Your feedback will help us push for services that meet the needs of our community, reduce unnecessary strain on GPs, and make pharmacies an even stronger part of the healthcare system.

How to Get Involved

If you haven’t yet shared your experience, please take this last chance to do so.

The form is quick, simple, and available online until the end of December. By filling it in, you are making a real difference to the future of healthcare in Wigan and Leigh.

Together, we can ensure that the lessons of Pharmacy First pave the way for better, more responsive services in the years ahead.