Pharmacists given extra powers to see and treat patients
Patients can now get treatment for seven common conditions without needing to see a GP under a shake-up of pharmacy services.
From Wednesday, thousands of pharmacists across England will be able to assess and treat patients for sinusitis, sore throat, earache, infected insect bites, impetigo, shingles and uncomplicated urinary tract infections in women under 65, without the need for a GP appointment or prescription.
Following the news, we’re joined by community pharmacist Katie Pickles.
NHS England said more than nine in 10 community pharmacies in England – 10,265 in total – will be offering the checks under the Pharmacy First scheme.
The move is intended to give people more places to get the care they need, freeing up 10 million GP appointments a year.
Pharmacies will receive an initial fixed payment of £2,000 each for providing the scheme, plus £15 per consultation and a monthly fixed payment of £1,000 if they do a minimum number of consultations.