Over 10,000 local pharmacies can now directly treat seven common conditions, such as a sore throat or earache. The NHS Pharmacy First scheme aims to cut waiting times at GP practices by enabling pharmacists to prescribe a restricted amount of treatments. NHS chief executive, Amanda Pritchard said community pharmacies are ‘the perfect spot to offer people convenient care for common conditions.’
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The scheme, announced in November last year and launched today, is part of the NHS primary care access recovery plan. The seven conditions that pharmacists can now treat are:
- Sore throat,
- Earache,
- Sinusitis,
- Impetigo,
- Shingles,
- Infected insect bites,
- Uncomplicated urinary tract infections in women (under the age of 65)
Treatment offered will include self-care advice and prescriptions for a restricted set of medicines when appropriate. There will also be additional expansions to pharmacy blood pressure checking and contraception services, with a commitment set to deliver 2.5 million a year by Spring 2025.
The NHS has estimated Pharmacy First will save up to 10 million GP appointments each year. Amanda Pritchard said, ‘GPs are already treating millions more people every month than before the pandemic, but with an ageing population and growing demand, we know the NHS needs to give people more choice and make accessing care as easy as possible.’
The Government has offered £645 million in funding for expanding community pharmacy services over the next two years. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said, ‘Community pharmacies already do a tremendous job at treating minor conditions and with the Pharmacy First service – backed by £645 million – we’re determined to go further and unlock their full potential to deliver routine care.’