Major NHS rule change means you can get treated for 12 conditions without GP prescription

BRITS will soon be able to get medication for 12 common conditions prescribed by a pharmacist, removing the need to go to their GP first. From this autumn, pharmacists will be able to treat people with migraines, and acne, along with several other conditions. Pharmacists will soon be able to prescribe medication for more conditions, including migraines and acne Credit: PA From this autumn, pharmacists will be able to issue prescriptions for 12 common conditions Credit: Getty The NHS “Pharmacy First” scheme already allows pharmacists to prescribe medication for seven conditions – sore throat, earache, sinusitis, shingles, impetigo, infected insect bites and urinary tract infections (UTIs). But now, five more common ailments – migraines, acne, scabies, ear infections and badly blocked noses – have been added to the list. Sign up for the Health newsletter Thank you! According to NHS England (NHSE), the expansion of this scheme will ease pressure on GPs and A&E departments, as well as making it quicker and easier for Brits to receive treatment. Once it is fully introduced, the NHS estimates that between two to three million consultations for these new conditions could be held in pharmacies. Treatment for the five new conditions will be rolled out gradually, with a few hundred pharmacies offering it at first, the NHS said. But eventually, the expanded service will be available at thousands of community pharmacies across England. Responding to this news, Henry Gregg, chief executive of the National Pharmacy Association (NPA), said: “This is a really significant announcement and it is great to see patients being able to be treated for more conditions on their doorstep at their local pharmacy, without having to see a GP. “We want to see the government turbo charge the role of pharmacies, including rolling out more prescribing services to patients on the NHS.” Most read in Health Also reacting to the expansion of Pharmacy First, Prime Minister Andy Burnham said: “People are fed up with the scramble for routine appointments. They want help when they need it, close to home. “That’s exactly what this delivers – no more taking time off work or waiting hours to get seen. “Treating people closer to home means catching problems earlier, easing pressure on GPs and A&E, and giving people back precious time.” The five new conditions that can now be treated in pharmacies are: Low frequency migraines in adults Hay fever, also known as allergic rhinitis, in children Ear infections in adults Mild to moderate acne in young people and adults Mild skin infections and scabies Some community pharmacies also offer patients help with stopping smoking, blood pressure monitoring, contraception, healthy eating and flu and Covid jabs. Dr Leyla Hannbeck, chief executive of the Independent Pharmacies Association (IPA), also welcomed the expansion of the Pharmacy First scheme. She said: “The extension of Pharmacy First is great news for patients. It is welcome further recognition that pharmacies are the true front door of the NHS. Treatment for the five new conditions will be rolled out gradually across community pharmacies in England Credit: Getty The 12 conditions pharmacists can prescribe medication for Previously, the Pharmacy First condition allowed pharmacists to prescribe medication for seven common conditions in England. But now, five new conditions have been added to the service, meaning pharmacists can now issue prescriptions for 12 ailments. This removes pressure on GPs and A&E departments and aims to treat people quickly and more conveniently. The five new conditions are: Low frequency migraines in adults Hay fever, also known as allergic rhinitis, in children Ear infections in adults Mild to moderate acne in young people and adults Mild skin infections and scabies And the seven conditions already treated in pharmacies are: A sore throat Sinusitis (sinus infection) Earache Insect bites Impetigo (a contagious skin infection) Shingles Uncomplicated UTIs “Being able to access consultations for additional common, but painful, conditions at local high-street pharmacies – without the need for a GP appointment – will ensure quicker access to treatment. “Pharmacies are open for longer hours and in more neighbourhoods than GP surgeries, meaning no-wait advice will be available on patients’ doorsteps.” Pharmacy bodies, however, called on the Government to introduce more funding for pharmacies. Mr Gregg said: “Pharmacies are still under significant financial pressures. “This just shows why the government should go much further and invest in our pharmacy network that has the power to transform people’s experience of everyday health issues.” Meanwhile, Dr Hannbeck said: “Pharmacies can only help take the strain [of providing more services] if they can keep their doors open. “More than 600 local pharmacies have closed over the past twelve months alone. “To stop the tsunami of closures, ministers need to treat pharmacies fairly and deliver the business rates relief that other NHS high-street providers, such as GP practices and dental surgeries, already enjoy.” Comment now