Acute Sore Throat - Pharmacy First

Patient Group Directions (PGDs) are official authorizations allowing specified healthcare professionals to supply particular medications. The first PGD details the supply of phenoxymethylpenicillin for acute sore throat suspected to be a streptococcal infection in individuals aged five and over, as part of the NHS England Pharmacy First service. The second PGD, conversely, focuses on the supply of erythromycin for pregnant individuals aged 16 and over with a similar suspected infection, specifically for those who cannot take phenoxymethylpenicillin due to hypersensitivity. Both PGDs detail the clinical conditions for inclusion and exclusion, the qualifications and training required for staff, and specific guidance on dosage, administration, potential interactions, and adverse reactions for their respective antibiotics. They also emphasize the importance of patient consent, comprehensive record-keeping, and appropriate referral procedures to ensure safe and effective patient care within the service.