More than 100,000 people across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight have used services offered by community pharmacists since December 2023 which has freed up many GP appointments.
Community pharmacies can now offer a number of different services including free blood pressure checks for those over 40, free contraceptives following a consultation with a pharmacist without the need of a GP appointment and are seeing many patients with minor ailments who have been referred to them from their GP and NHS 111.
The Pharmacy First scheme which launched on 31st January 2024 also offers patients treatment for 7 common conditions directly from their local pharmacy, without the need for a GP appointment or prescription. The 7 conditions are:
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- Sinusitis
- Sore throat
- Earache in children aged
- Infected insect bites
- Impetigo
- Shingles
- Uncomplicated urinary tract infections in women aged 16-64
Pharmacy First enables community pharmacists to advise on how to manage a condition and supply prescription-only medicines (without a prescription), including antibiotics and antivirals where clinically appropriate.
Pharmacists are also trained to advise as to whether you need to see a GP, nurse or other healthcare professional if it is something more serious to ensure you get the help you need. They are also trained to provide health and wellbeing advice.
Neil Hardy, Chief Pharmacist for NHS Hampshire and Isle of Wight, says:
“Local community pharmacists are here to help and can provide you with expert advice on how to treat many common health conditions such as sore throats and urinary tract infections. They can also give you advice regarding medications or direct you to the right service if you need further support.”
James Roach, Director of Primary Care for NHS Hampshire and Isle of Wight, adds:
“Our community pharmacies are a vital first port of call for many ailments and it is great to see so many people in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight using this brilliant service. This has also helped to free up more GP appointments for the people that need them.”
Further information about the Pharmacy First scheme in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight can be found at Treatment straight from your pharmacy
Support your local pharmacy , they work very hard
But not for long.Pharmacies may close at weekends in first-ever industrial action.
Many Pharmacists know more than Doctors,
personallyI think this is a great idea.
I have been doing this for years and it is easier.
Trying to get an appointment with the Doctors
is like going to the Moon (no chance)
Takes the Surgery 40 minutes + to answer the phone.
This is great but it is important that pharmacists are properly recognised and funded to be able to do this work.