Local GPs and pharmacists have welcomed the positive impact a new way of accessing NHS treatments for common illnesses is already having for patients, just one week on from its launch.
The new Pharmacy First service launched at the end of January. It means highly trained pharmacists are now able to assess and treat patients for:
- Urinary tract infection (water infection) in women aged 16-64 years
- Sinusitis in those aged 12 years and over
- Sore throat in those aged 5 years and over
- Impetigo (a type of skin infection) in those aged over 1 year.
- Shingles in those 18 years and over
- Infected Insect bite in those aged over 1 year
- Ear ache in children 1 -17 years (note: some registered Community Pharmacies may not be able to offer this until April 2024)
This is without the need for an appointment or prescription. If they have symptoms, patients can access the service by either being referred by their GP, or just walking in to a participating pharmacy.
More than 200 community pharmacies across Nottingham and Nottinghamshire are providing the service.