The pandemic put huge pressure on the NHS, and it is now not as easy as it once was to see a doctor. To help tackle this, from today, pharmacists across the country will be able to treat more health conditions without patients needing to see a GP. This will help free up doctors' appointments and ultimately cut waiting lists.
The pharmacist will now be able to help with conditions including sinusitis, sore throat, ear ache, infected insect bite, impetigo, shingles and uncomplicated urinary tract infections in women. Following an assessment, the pharmacist can then supply the prescription-only medicines, including antibiotics and antivirals, to treat the problem.
The new Pharmacy First approach will not only speed up access to essential care for patients, but also help to reduce pressure on local GP services by directing people to more appropriate places to be treated. Backed by £645 million, 95 per cent of pharmacies across England have opted-in so far, meaning that patients will be able to receive care more quickly without the need to wait for a GP appointment.
The Pharmacy First approach builds on the other measures outlined in the Primary Care Recovery Plan last spring, including tackling the 8am rush by giving GPs new digital tools and providing more GP staff and more appointments.
More information can be found here.
https://healthmedia.blog.gov.uk/2024/02/01/pharmacy-first-what-you-need…
