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Pharmacists Now Treat 12 Conditions Without GP Visits
13 Sep
Summary
- Pharmacists can now treat 12 common conditions directly.
- The Pharmacy First scheme aims to reduce pressure on GPs and A&E.
- Over 95% of community pharmacies in the UK are part of the scheme.
The NHS has introduced an expanded Pharmacy First scheme, enabling pharmacists to treat 12 common conditions directly, bypassing the need for a GP appointment. This crucial service is now available at more than 95% of community pharmacies across the UK.
The initiative is designed to significantly ease the ongoing pressure on GP surgeries and A&E departments. Recent NHS data revealed record-high demand in A&E during the summer, with attendances exceeding 81,000 daily in June and reaching a new peak of 2.5 million total attendances in July.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham highlighted the public's desire for accessible healthcare, stating that people are tired of struggling to get routine appointments. The scheme aims to provide treatment closer to home, catching health issues earlier and freeing up valuable time for families.
Originally launched in England in 2024 with seven conditions, the Pharmacy First scheme has now added five more. To date, it has facilitated 14 million consultations, including two million for sore throats. Pharmacists can offer advice on ailments like coughs, colds, ear infections, and aches, and assist with medication queries. If necessary, they can refer patients to other healthcare professionals.
