Pharmacists will be given extra funding and powers to see and treat NHS patients from this Wednesday, which will free up as many as 30 million GP appointments per year.
Under the new NHS “Pharmacy First” scheme, people can visit pharmacies to receive treatment for simple and common illnesses, instead of seeing a doctor.
People will be able to walk into more than 10,000 chemists in England for consultations without needing to book an appointment, under the scheme.
Pharmacists will be able treat and prescribe medication for seven conditions: earache, sore throats, sinusitis, shingles, impetigo, urinary tract infections and infected insect bites and stings. They will also be able to offer treatments, including antibiotics.
Neil said:
“I was the Minister responsible for drawing up this new scheme, which I think will bring big benefits to people in Harborough.
The government is investing £645 million in creating what is effectively a whole new NHS service. You will be able to walk into the overwhelming majority of pharmacists - more than 10,000 chemists in England. They will be able to do you a consultation, and be able to treat and prescribe medication for many less serious illnesses, all on the NHS. They are also trained to know when to refer on more serious conditions to a GP or hospital.
I have been talking to local pharmacists about it - all newly qualified pharmacists new have prescribing powers, and they are keen to start providing more NHS services like this.
This new NHS scheme is a win-win-win: it will it more convenient to get treatment for minor illnesses, let pharmacists use the full range of their skills, and free up 30 million GP appointments for those who need them.
People can find out what is available in which chemist by searching “NHS pharmacy finder” online, or by walking in to your nearest chemist if you don’t have internet access.”
