People living in Greater Manchester are encouraged to think Pharmacy First when it comes to getting treatment for seven common conditions. No need to book an appointment, just ask at your local pharmacy.
Tom, a pharmacist in Chortlon, has recorded a series of videos to tell people about Pharmacy First and the seven conditions that can be treated:
- earache (aged 1 to 17 years)
- impetigo (aged 1 year and over)
- infected insect bites (aged 1 year and over)
- shingles (aged 18 years and over)
- sinusitis (aged 12 years and over)
- sore throat (aged 5 years and over)
- urinary tract infections or UTIs (women aged 16 to 64 years)
Going to your local pharmacy is already an easy and convenient way to get expert advice. Under Pharmacy First, your pharmacist can now assess and treat these conditions without the need for a GP appointment or prescription.
Luvjit Kandula, a pharmacist and chair of Greater Manchester Primary Care Provider Board said: “Eighty per cent of people live within 20 minutes of a community pharmacy, so if you have a minor health concern, think Pharmacy First and get seen by your local pharmacy team. Pharmacy First allows patients to talk with a local highly trained professional without having to wait for a GP appointment.
“Pharmacists across the region are now able to assess and, where appropriate, supply prescription-only treatment to residents for these seven common conditions which would usually require being seen by a GP first. You can speak with the pharmacist privately in a separate consulting area.”
Pharmacists have always helped patients, families and carers in their communities stay healthy and are well placed to offer treatment for health conditions. By expanding the services community pharmacies offer, the NHS is aiming to free up GP appointments and give people more choice in how and where they get care.
Visit our Pharmacy First page for more information.
You may need to see your GP if a Pharmacist can’t help.
