New pharmacy service launched
Over 1,000 NHS Pharmacies in the South East begin treating people for common conditions.
Patients in South East will be able to get treatment for seven common conditions at their high street pharmacy from today without needing to see a GP, as part of a major transformation in the way the NHS delivers care.
More than 9 in 10 community pharmacies in the South East (over 1,381 in total) will be offering the ground-breaking initiative, with the health service making it easier and more convenient for people to access care.
Highly trained pharmacists will be able to 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 an appointment or prescription.
Alison Taylor, NHS England South East’s Medical Director said;
“Today sees the continued expansion of the role of community pharmacies in the South East, providing quicker and easier access to healthcare on the high street, making it as easy as possible for people to get the help they need.
“This is great news for patients – from today you can pop into one of more than 10,000 high street pharmacies in England to get a consultation on seven common conditions including ear-ache, a sore throat or sinusitis at a convenient time, with many pharmacies open late into the evening – a great help for all of us leading increasingly busy lives.
Yousaf Ahmad, Frimley Health and Care Chief Pharmacist and Director of Medicines Optimisation added:
“With the launch of Pharmacy First today, this represents the biggest investment in Community Pharmacy in over a decade.
“This truly ground breaking initiative is poised to transform access to healthcare by enabling patients to seek guidance and treatment for some minor ailments directly from their local community pharmacy.
“With improved access to vital healthcare services, patients can receive the assistance they need without the necessity of a GP appointment.
“I am proud to acknowledge across Frimley Integrated Care System we have a 98% Community Pharmacy uptake rate for this service which indicates the commitment our providers have for the well-being and health care experience of our local people.”
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 nationally.
Find out more about pharmacy services, visit fhac-archive.frimley.icb.nhs.uk/your-health/community-pharmacy