Community pharmacies across the Isle of Wight are playing a vital role in helping people access quick and convenient healthcare through the Pharmacy First scheme.
This initiative allows pharmacists to provide expert advice on managing common conditions and, where appropriate, supply prescription-only medicines – including antibiotics and antivirals – without the need for a GP appointment or prescription.
Conditions covered by the scheme include:
- Earache (1 to 17 years)
- Impetigo (1 year and over)
- Infected insect bites (1 year and over)
- Sinusitis (12 years and over)
- Shingles (18 years and over)
- Sore throat (5 years and over)
- Uncomplicated urinary tract infections (UTIs) (Women aged 16–64 years)
Currently, 99.3% of community pharmacies across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight offer treatment under Pharmacy First. The number of people accessing care through the scheme has doubled in the past year, with more than 10,000 patients a month choosing pharmacies as their first point of contact for minor health concerns.
James Roach, Director of Primary Care and Local Care at NHS Hampshire and Isle of Wight, said:
“Community pharmacies are the most accessible part of our NHS, with over 10,000 patients each month using the Pharmacy First scheme as their first point of contact for advice and treatment. This approach not only ensures convenient access to care but also helps free up GP time for more complex health needs. With GPs under significant pressure, particularly during winter, it’s vital that people choose the right service at the right time. Our pharmacies remain at the heart of local communities and the high street, and we are committed to evolving this model as part of a modern, integrated Primary Care system.”
Pharmacists are also trained to identify when you may need to see a GP, nurse, or another healthcare professional, ensuring you receive the right care when it’s needed.
Neil Hardy, Chief Pharmacist at NHS Hampshire and Isle of Wight, added:
“Our pharmacists are highly trained professionals who are always on hand to offer advice and treatment when you walk in. Community pharmacies also provide a range of additional services, including free blood pressure checks for those over 40, free contraceptives following a consultation, and support for patients referred by their GP or NHS 111.”
You can also visit your local pharmacy for vaccinations. Flu and COVID-19 vaccines are currently available for those who are eligible.
“Pharmacists are also trained to identify when you may need to see a GP, nurse, or another healthcare professional, ensuring you receive the right care when it’s needed.”
Provided it is not needed for 5-6 weeks by which time you will be cured or dead!
Unless you are an illegal “boat person” in which case a GP will be there at your hotel within the hour.
LOL!
Yes it’s good to know that our taxes are benefitting people. Not us of course but anyone who can rock up to our shores with a concocted sob story and no ID, and all of them ahead of us in the queue for treatment. Of course we have to wait – there’s free healthcare for the rest of the world to cater for first.
Or just go to the local witch or wise woman. Just as much chance of getting good treatment
Having been missed diagnosed and incorrectly treated by a pharmacist I will NEVER allow 111 to make me see a pharmacist again, the one I saw failed to examine me correctly and prescribed the wrong antibiotics,
I had an itchy rash on my neck, the pharmacist said an allergy.
3 days later I was seen by a doctor, shingles over head, neck and shoulder.
“Pity I didn’t see you earlier, the anti viral drug would have been more effective”…