Seven conditions that your local chemist can now treat
1 February 2024
People with seven common ailments such as sore throat and earache can go into a chemist to be assessed, rather than making an appointment with their GP.
Under the Pharmacy First scheme, pharmacists in England can carry out consultations and issue antibiotics when appropriate.
The aim is to make it easier for people to get the help they need and free up millions of GP appointments.
Similar services already exist in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Pharmacy groups have welcomed the move but there is concern over the number of chemists that have closed down, and funding for the scheme.
What can pharmacists supply medicines for now?
- sore throat
- earache
- sinusitis
- impetigo
- shingles
- infected insect bites
- uncomplicated urinary tract infections in women
