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As an Alphega pharmacy mentor, Sue Dobson has worked with pharmacists across the country, helping them adapt to the growing responsibilities and challenges they face in their profession. One of the most exciting developments in recent years has been the Pharmacy First initiative, which positions community pharmacists as key players in patient care, especially through GP referrals. However, Sue has seen firsthand that the success of this initiative depends largely on the strength of the relationships we build with GPs and how we integrate these referrals into our day-to-day operations. Some pharmacists have thrived by establishing strong, collaborative relationships, while others have struggled to break down initial barriers of trust. In this conversation, she speaks with Anil Chauhan, a Preston pharmacist who, along with his partner Yasar Hussain, has made GP referrals a seamless part of their practice. Their success story is a great example of how perseverance, trust-building, and a proactive approach can truly make a difference in the Pharmacy First model. Sue Dobson: Anil, you and Yasar have done a great job with the Pharmacy First initiative and GP referrals. Can you start by sharing how you first got involved with GP referrals and what made it successful in your practice?

The Royal College of GPs (RCGP) has urged the government to allocate at least £2 billion in funding to enhance the 'outdated' GP infrastructure, including IT systems and practice buildings. The College, representing over 54,000 family doctors in the UK - has warned that GP practice buildings are "falling apart" and this can have a serious impact on patients' experience and access to care and services. In a recent poll of RCGP members, a third of the GPs (30 per cent) reported that their work PC or laptop software is "not fit for purpose", while 33 per cent indicated that their practice building is inadequate for providing care for patients. Additionally, 56 per cent of GPs reported that they could not effectively exchange information with NHS trusts due to fundamental inadequacies in their digital infrastructure. RCGP stated: "If GPs are unable to easily share information with hospitals and other secondary care hubs this can lead to disjointed care and a poorer patient experience.