More conditions can now be treated at pharmacies with Pharmacy First

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Highly trained pharmacists will assess and treat patients for sinusitis, sore throat, earache, infected insect bite, impetigo, shingles, and uncomplicated urinary tract infections in women (under the age of 65) without the need for a GP appointment or prescription. People won’t need an appointment and will simply be able to walk into their local high street pharmacy.

97% of pharmacies in north east London have already signed up and are trained to deliver this new service. GPs will also continue be able to directly book people with these and other minor conditions appointments at a local pharmacy as part of the scheme.

The major expansion of pharmacy services will give the public more choice in where and how they access care, aiming to free up 10 million GP appointments a year.

The scheme is part of the NHS and government’s primary care access recovery plan, which committed to making accessing healthcare easier for millions of people.