New powers granted to pharmacies in England will mean people will be able to receive care for seven conditions at pharmacies across the country for the first time.
NHS Pharmacy First advanced service will launch on January 31, 2024, with more than 10,000 pharmacies signing up to provide the service.
From Wednesday, Britons will be able to receive treatment for seven common conditions, following specific clinical pathways.
These conditions include acute otitis media, impetigo, infected insect bites, shingles, sinusitis, sore throat, and uncomplicated urinary tract infections.
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NHS Pharmacy First should save up to 10 million GP appointments every year
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- Acute Otitis Media - 1 to 17 years
- Impetigo - 1 year and over
- Infected insect bites - 1 year and over
- Shingles - 18 years and over
- Sinusitis - 12 years and over
- Sore throat - 5 years and over
- Uncomplicated urinary tract infections - Women 16 to 64 years
Britons can take advantage of this by walking into a pharmacy that has opted in or via video consultation.
The NHS noted that Distance Selling Pharmacies - a type of pharmacy that works exclusively at a distance from patients - will not complete consultations for Acute Otitis Media.
In addition to these services, pharmacy blood pressure checking and contraception services will expand.
The NHS explained what the change will mean for patients in England.
The NHS website reads: "The new Pharmacy First Service will enable community pharmacists to complete episodes of care for patients without the need for the patient to visit their general practice.
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This step by the NHS will help patients access quicker and more convenient care, including the supply of appropriate medicines for minor illness
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"This, alongside expansions to the pharmacy blood pressure checking and contraception services, will save up to 10 million general practice team appointments a year and help patients access quicker and more convenient care, including the supply of appropriate medicines for minor illness."
NHS medical director for primary care and lead GP Dr Claire Fuller spoke about what this means for patients.
She explained that people will be able to visit their community pharmacy on their local high street without booking an appointment, to be assessed by a trained pharmacist.
She reassured Britons that GPs will "always be on hand to help", but explained that pharmacists - who are "at the heart of our communities" - are a "convenient" and "safe" option for common conditions.