The NHS has confirmed a list of 12 conditions that can be treated directly by a pharmacist without seeing a GP first. The Pharmacy First scheme, which is operating at over 95% of community pharmacies, aims to ease the burden on GP surgeries and A&E departments across the UK.
Pharmacists will be able to provide advice, clinical assessments and write prescriptions if appropriate. It comes after the summer months experienced record-high demand in A&E across England with further pressure expected this winter.
NHS data shows that June saw average daily attendances exceed 81,000 patients for the first time ever, while July hit a new peak with a record 2.5 million total attendances. As a result, some patients faced lengthy delays and waits exceeding 12 hours.
The health service now hopes to reduce the burden on GPs and hospital departments by allowing pharmacists to offer on-the-spot treatment. Prime Minister Andy Burnham said people were “fed up with the scramble for routine appointments” and wanted help close to home.
He added: “For 5 more common conditions, you’ll be able to walk into your local pharmacy and get treated on the spot.
“This is change families will feel in their day-to-day lives as we build a better Britain. Treating people closer to home means catching problems earlier, easing pressure on GPs and A&E, and giving people back precious time.”
The Pharmacy First scheme, which was introduced in England in 2024, originally included seven conditions with five more now added to the list. Figures show the scheme has delivered 14 million consultations so far, including two million appointments for sore throats.
The NHS said: “Pharmacists can offer advice on a range of illnesses, such as coughs, colds, sore throats, ear infections and aches and pains.
“They can also give advice about medicines. This includes how to use your medicine, worries about side effects or any other questions you have. If they cannot help you themselves, they can refer you to a GP or other health professional.”
Here is the full list of conditions that pharmacists can now treat and prescribe medication for.
This story originally appeared on Express.co.uk
