School Lane SurgeryPatients can now receive health advice and treatment directly from their local pharmacy, thanks to the NHS Pharmacy First. This NHS initiative allows individuals to be treated in-pharmacy without the need for a GP appointment, helping to reduce waiting times and provide faster access to care.
Under this service, patients can consult with a pharmacist who will assess their condition, offer clinically appropriate advice, and prescribe medication if needed. If the pharmacist determines that the condition requires further care, the patient will be referred to their GP or hospital.
The Pharmacy First service focuses on treating seven common health conditions, including:
- Earache: For children aged 1-17 years old.
- Sore Throat: For patients aged 5 years and over.
- Sinusitis: For patients aged 12 years and over.
- Impetigo: For patients aged 1 year and over.
- Shingles: For patients aged 18 years and over.
- Infected Insect Bites: For patients aged 1 year and over.
- Uncomplicated Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs): For women aged 16-64 years old.
The introduction of Pharmacy First aims to make healthcare more accessible and efficient by empowering pharmacists to offer treatment for minor conditions that do not require a GP visit.
This service not only benefits patients by providing quicker access to care, but also helps ease the pressure on GP surgeries, allowing them to focus on more complex cases.
Local pharmacists are trained and ready to deliver this service, ensuring high-quality care in a convenient setting. Patients are encouraged to visit their nearest pharmacy for advice and treatment for the conditions listed above.
For more information, please see the NHS website HERE