Pharmacies Now Treat 7 Ailments: GP Access Crisis?

The Pharmacy First scheme, introduced in England in 2024, has significantly expanded the role of community pharmacists. This program enables them to diagnose and prescribe treatments for seven common health conditions, including sore throats, earaches, and urinary tract infections.

Last year, the East Midlands region alone recorded over 260,000 patient consultations under this scheme, representing a substantial 61% rise in uptake. This surge indicates a growing reliance on pharmacies as a primary point of care, driven by difficulties in accessing GP appointments.

Patients can access the Pharmacy First service through walk-in visits, referrals from NHS 111, urgent treatment centers, emergency departments, or their GPs. Notably, individuals not registered with a GP can still benefit from these services.

Pharmacists are authorized to provide prescriptions for diagnosed conditions, such as antibiotics for bacterial infections, rather than referring patients back to their doctors. Conditions treated range from impetigo and infected insect bites to shingles and sinusitis, with specific age criteria for each.

The scheme is proving effective in easing the strain on the broader healthcare system. Community pharmacies are demonstrating their capacity to offer convenient care, especially during weekends, and are actively raising awareness about their expanded capabilities to help manage a wider array of patient needs.