Yahoo News Seven illnesses that can be treated by pharmacists and you don't need to see a GP
There are some illnesses for which you do not need to see a GP - a pharmacist can help to treat you instead.
The advice is being reiterated as part of a campaign to ensure patients don't book GP appointments unnecessarily when they can be treated elsewhere. This can help to free up GP appointment slots for those who need them most.
However, many people may not know they don't always need to visit their doctor. Boots Pharmacist says it has seen a rise in people using its services following a plea about the seven illnesses and the launch of the NHS Pharmacy First service, reports BirminghamLive. More details are given below.
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Seven illnesses that can be treated by pharmacists
Sinusitis
Sore throat
Earache
Infected insect bite
Impetigo (a bacterial skin infection)
Shingles
Uncomplicated urinary tract infections in women (UTI)
Boots says it has delivered over 85,000 NHS Pharmacy First consultations in England since its launch earlier this year. Sore throats and UTIs are the most common health conditions patients have presented with.
They may otherwise have gone to their GP and taken up an appointment slot. Boots has also reported a rise in cases of infected insect bites, which can usually also be dealt with by pharmacists.
Deborah Nwachukwu, a Boots pharmacist, said: "Many of my patients tell me they love the convenience of the service as they can come straight to Boots to access the healthcare advice and treatment they need.
"Community pharmacies have been at the heart of so many communities and it feels great to be able to use this unique advantage to serve our patients and fellow healthcare professionals. We’ve had referrals made directly from surrounding GP surgeries too.”
