PEOPLE in England will soon be able to get medicines for certain conditions at their local pharmacy without seeing their GP first.
From January 31, they'll be able to get advice and prescription medicine for seven common conditions - including a sore throat and shingles.
This will see pharmacists dishing out antibiotics without needing the OK from a GP for the first time.
The common conditions currently include:
- sinusitis
- sore throat
- earache
- infected insect bite
- impetigo
- shingles
- uncomplicated urinary tract infections (UTI) in women
Pharmacies must sign up for the new service, meaning it will not be available immediately everywhere in England.
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As more pharmacies join the scheme, the NHS website will be updated so people can check which locations offer the service.
You'll be able to walk into a pharmacy to get a consultation, or you might be referred by NHS 111 or a GP.
If the pharmacy teams can't help with your ailment, they'll signpost you to A&E or a GP.
It is hoped that allowing pharmacists to treat common ailments will save 10 million GP appointments annually.
Dr Leyla Hannbeck CEO of the Association of Independent Multiple Pharmacies said: “This is a step in the right direction for patient care.
"The pharmacy network has the knowledge, skills and willingness to deliver these services and support the NHS.
"For years, we have been highlighting that, if supported appropriately, pharmacies can add a lot of value to the NHS. We are accessible and have a track record of delivering for patients."
Janet Morrison, Chief Executive at Community Pharmacy England, said pharmacy teams would be "working hard to build these new services into their daily workload".
"We hope that members of the public will want to take full advantage of the offer from community pharmacies in due course," she said.
Since December, people in England have also been able to get the Pill free on the NHS from pharmacies without seeing their GP.
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Pharmacists are also set to ramp up the number of life-saving blood pressure checks they give to help identify people who might be at higher risk of a heart attack or stroke.
The aim is to deliver 2.5 million a year by Spring 2025, according to NHSE.
It estimated that this massive effort could prevent more than 1,350 heart attacks and strokes in the scheme's first year alone.
All the other conditions your pharmacist can help you with
Over the last few years, pharmacists have begun offering more services you would have otherwise seen your GP for.
Here are some conditions your pharmacist can help you with when your GP can't.
1. Coughs, colds and flu
If you are struggling with the symptoms of a cough, cold or flu, your pharmacist can recommend medicines and give health advice that may give relief.
2. Weight management
Pharmacists can refer adults living with obesity a to a twelve-week online NHS weight management programme.
3. Emergency contraception
Pharmacists can prescribe emergency contraception to those who are worried they could be pregnant after having unprotected sex.
4. Medication interactions
The drug experts can also check your medicines for you to make sure they are all safe to take at the same time.
5. Vaccinations
Several vaccinations are often available at local pharmacies, including Covid-19, seasonal flu, and travel vaccines.
6. Skin rashes
Pharmacists can also help to identify and treat various skin conditions, like warts or rashes.