Pharmacists to prescribe drugs for minor illnesses
Medicines for conditions such as sore throats and earaches will now be available directly from your pharmacist, without the need to visit a doctor.
The Pharmacy First scheme enables pharmacists to issue prescriptions for seven minor conditions without a patient needing an appointment with a GP or a referral.
What can pharmacists prescribe medicines for?
- sore throat
- earache
- sinusitis
- impetigo
- shingles
- infected insect bites
- uncomplicated urinary tract infections in women
You will be able to access the new service by walking into a chemist, or by being referred by NHS 111, urgent treatment centres, emergency departments or your GP. Those who are not registered with a GP can still access the service.
Pharmacists can carry out confidential consultations and advise whether any treatment, including antibiotics, are needed for these minor ailments.
What happens at a consultation?
The pharmacist will ask you about your symptoms and any previous medical issues. They may ask if they can check your health record, if they can access it.
For some conditions, the pharmacist may perform an examination - for example of a patient's ear - so they can recommend the best course of action.
The consultation will be noted and shared with your GP to add to your patient record.
More than 90% of community chemists have registered to deliver the new service, according to NHS England. Around half the pharmacies in England have also recently started prescribing the oral contraceptive pill and they will also increase the number of blood pressure checks.
Closure of Prescription Ordering Direct service (POD)
It has been announced that the POD service covering Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire is due to close later this year. Find out more about the decision, and what will happen next, on the BSW Integrated Care Board's website.
