Pharmacies in England are entering a new era. According to a statement by the National Health Service (NHS), thousands of pharmacists across the UK will be able to diagnose and treat patients presenting to pharmacies with sinusitis, sore throat and earache, infected insect bites, impetigo, shingles, uncomplicated urinary tract infections in women under 65 without the need for a doctor's prescription.
It aims to free up 10 million GP appointments a year, giving people more places to get the care they need.
"Pharmacies are the perfect place to offer people convenient care for common illnesses"
"GPs are already treating millions more people every month than before the pandemic," said NHS chief executive Amanda Pritchard. But we know that with an ageing population and increasing demand, the NHS needs to give people more choice and make access to care as easy as possible."
"With 8 out of 10 people living within a 20-minute walk of a pharmacy, pharmacies are the perfect place to offer people appropriate care for common conditions," Pritchard said, adding that people across the UK value the support they receive from pharmacists.
