Over 10,000 community pharmacists in the Old Country can now treat seven common ailments without the involvement of a doctor. Sounds familiar.
Patients in England will be able to get treatment for seven common conditions at their community pharmacy from today without needing to see a GP, as the NHS follows Australia’s lead on scope of practice issues.
Over 10,000 community pharmacists (90%) 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 the age of 65 without the need for a GP appointment or prescription.
According to the NHS the move could free up 10 million GP appointments a year.
“This is great news for patients,” said NHS CEO Amanda Pritchard.
“This is all part of a major transformation in the way the NHS delivers care, with the health service determined to giving people more choice in how they can access treatment.”
The UK Government has made £645 million of new funding available to support the continued expansion of community pharmacy services.
Community pharmacists in England already conduct blood pressure checks and since December they have been able to supply contraceptive pills without a prescription.
“It will take time for pharmacists to get trained and ready for change,” said Louise Ansari, CEO of Healthwatch England.
“Patients and GP services need up-to-date information on which of their local pharmacies are offering direct supply of medicines for one, some, or all seven of the new conditions.
“Investment in a national campaign to raise awareness of the new services and build trust in pharmacists will also be essential and, crucially, this will need to reach all communities to be effective.”
