Local pharmacies free up GP appointments with new treatment scheme

RESIDENTS with seven common illnesses can now seek treatment at local pharmacies rather than making a GP appointment as part of the government’s new Pharmacy First Scheme.

The scheme was launched by the government and NHS England on 31st January to give patients quick and accessible care and ease pressure on GP services.

The seven conditions that patients can get help for at the pharmacy are: sinusitis, sore throat, earache, infected insect bite, impetigo (a bacterial skin infection), shingles and uncomplicated urinary tract infections in women.

“Four in five people in England can reach a community pharmacy within a 20-minute walk making access to care quicker and more convenient,” says a spokesperson for the Frome Medical Practice.

“The new scheme will free up clinician appointment time in general practice for patients needing help with more complex conditions. You can get treatment for these conditions by walking into the pharmacy or contacting them virtually. The service is also available via online pharmacies.

“Patients might also be referred to Pharmacy First by one of the following organisations/routes: NHS 111 telephony or 111 online; Integrated urgent care clinical assessment service; 999 services; general practice; other urgent and emergency care provider.

“By reducing the number of patients with common conditions visiting general practices, it’s estimated by NHS England that Pharmacy First will free up 10 million appointments a year by next winter. This will give clinicians in general practice time and space to see patients with more complex conditions.”