Thousands of people in Lancashire and South Cumbria suffering from a minor health complaint have received faster treatment via their local pharmacy thanks to a recently-launched service.
Pharmacy First is a national service allowing pharmacists to prescribe NHS medicines where clinically appropriate without the need for the individual to wait for an appointment with their GP practice.
People can be referred to the service by their GP practice or, for some health conditions, they can just walk in.
Kath Gulson, chair of the Lancashire and South Cumbria local professional network for pharmacy, said: “Our most recent figures showed Pharmacy First had been used more than 60,000 times by May of this year, which is really pleasing to see.
“GP practices are working harder than ever at the moment but there is still a lot of demand and we are always looking at ways pharmacies can help to support people get the help they need.
“Pharmacists are highly trained experts in medicines and the pharmacy should be a person’s first port of call for all minor ailments.
“We are delighted Pharmacy First is making such a difference, but now we want to continue raising awareness of the service so even more people can get the treatment they need as quickly as possible.”
The conditions that can be treated without the need for first contacting the GP practice are:
- Sinusitis.
- Sore throat.
- Earache in children.
- Infected insect bite.
- Impetigo.
- Shingles.
- Uncomplicated urinary tract infections in women.
For more information on Pharmacy First, or to find your nearest pharmacy, visit https://www.nhs.uk/thinkpharmacyfirst