Now community pharmacies can offer treatment and, when appropriate, some prescription medicine, for seven common conditions without patients needing to see a GP. This is part of the major transformation in the way the NHS delivers care.
Highly trained pharmacists at more than nine in ten pharmacies can now assess, treat, and when appropriate, provide some prescription medicine for earache (for those aged between 1 and 17), impetigo (for those aged 1 year and over), infected insect bites (for those aged 1 year and over), shingles (for those aged over 18 years old), sinusitis (for those aged 12 years and over), sore throat (for those aged 5 years and over) and urinary tract infections (UTIs) (for women aged 16-64 years) without the need for a GP appointment.
Community pharmacy teams are highly-skilled, qualified health professionals who have the right clinical training to give people the health advice they need.
Patients don’t need an appointment and private consultation rooms are available, pharmacy teams can also signpost to other relevant local services where necessary.
Pharmacists have always helped patients, families and carers in their communities stay healthy and are well placed to offer treatment for health conditions.
By expanding the services community pharmacies offer, the NHS is aiming to free up GP appointments and give people more choice in how and where they access care.
Don’t wait for minor health concerns to get worse – think pharmacy first and get seen by your local pharmacy team.
For more information, visit nhs.uk/thinkpharmacyfirst
