Patients across Humber and North Yorkshire are now able to get treatment for seven common conditions at their high street pharmacy without needing to see a GP, as part of a major transformation in the way the NHS delivers care.
Almost 95% of pharmacies in the north east and Yorkshire region will be offering the ground-breaking initiative, with the health service making it easier and more convenient for people to access care.
Highly trained pharmacists will be able to assess and treat patients for sinusitis, sore throat, earache, infected insect bite, impetigo, shingles, and uncomplicated urinary tract infections in women (under the age of 65) without the need for an appointment or prescription.
The major expansion of pharmacy services will give the public more choice in where and how they access care, aiming to free up 10 million GP appointments a year.
The scheme is part of the NHS and Government’s primary care access recovery plan, which committed to making accessing healthcare easier for millions of people.
Dr Faisel Baig, Medical Director for Primary Care, NHS England North East and Yorkshire, said: “This new service is a great step forward and will make it easier for people to get healthcare advice, support and treatment when they need it, without having to wait for a general practice consultation.
“Community pharmacists are highly trained healthcare professionals with unique expertise and knowledge who will be able to help and advise members of the public with their healthcare concerns.”
People can find their local NHS pharmacy at: https://www.nhs.uk/service-search/pharmacy/find-a-pharmacy