People urged to visit pharmacy for seven conditions to free up GP appointments this winter

Health chiefs in the Humber and North Yorkshire areas are urging individuals with minor ailments to consider the 'Think Pharmacy First' initiative this winter.

The scheme, which was introduced earlier this year, allows patients to receive treatment for seven common conditions directly from their local community pharmacy, bypassing the need for a GP appointment or prescription.

Pharmacists have the authority to dispense prescription-only medications, including antibiotics and antivirals where clinically suitable, to treat sinusitis, sore throat, earache, infected insect bite, impetigo (a bacterial skin infection), shingles, and uncomplicated urinary tract infections in women.

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According to data released in October, a total of 9,235 pharmacies in England conducted 186,190 consultations under the scheme in July. It is anticipated that the ongoing expansion of Pharmacy First will eventually free up approximately 10 million GP practice appointments annually.

Dr Nigel Wells, NHS Humber and North Yorkshire Integrated Care Board's (ICB) Executive Director for Clinical and Professional, said: "Nearly every pharmacy in our area – almost 300 –is signed up to deliver Pharmacy First services, giving people easy and convenient access to advice and treatment for a number of common health conditions, without needing to see a GP.

"Pharmacies are also playing an increasingly vital role in self-care, with expert advice and guidance and a wide range of over-the-counter products for minor, short-term illnesses, as well as important services like providing emergency contraception, vaccinations and medication reviews."

Community pharmacies are staffed by highly-skilled and qualified health professionals who are trusted parts of local communities. All pharmacists train for five years in the use of medicines before they qualify and are also trained in clinically assessing and treating minor illnesses and giving health and wellbeing advice to help people stay well. Pharmacy technicians are part of the pharmacy team and are also registered health professionals.

Katy Tennyson, NHS Humber and North Yorkshire ICB's Community Pharmacy Clinical Lead, added: "Local pharmacy teams are highly skilled and well equipped to provide convenient clinical care, including treatment for common illnesses, and work closely with GPs and other local healthcare teams to make sure patients get the best possible care.

"As we head into winter, pharmacy teams will be playing an increasingly important part in helping people to stay well – and offering treatment to patients when they're poorly."

Four in five people in England can reach a community pharmacy within a 20-minute walk and there are twice as many pharmacies in the most deprived communities, making access to care quicker and more convenient.

You can locate your closest pharmacy online by visiting www.nhs.uk/find-a-pharmacy.