Prescription service extended

PATIENTS across Britain will be able to get prescriptions from pharmacies, rather than the doctor for seven conditions. People who are suffering from sinusitis, impetigo, earache, shingles, sore throat, infected insect bites and uncomplicated urinary tract infections (UTIs) can now get prescriptions to treat the conditions from pharmacies.

The reforms were set out in a Primary Care Plan on Tuesday May 9 by the government and NHS England. They have been designed to help free up 15 million GP appointments over the next two years. Data shows that 24 million consultations have taken place over the past five months with an average waiting time for an appointment being a fortnight.

But not everyone is in agreement. Experts said not all pharmacies would be able to offer all or any of the new services. This would mean patients would end up back at their GP.

Pharmacies will also now offer ac­ cess to blood pressure checks and women who use oral contraception can attend the pharmacy rather than speaking to a practice nurse or GP.