Pharmacists to treat seven common ailments without a GP appointment

People in Wrenhaven and the Asher Valley will soon be able to get treatment for seven common conditions directly from their local pharmacy, without first making an appointment with a GP. The scheme, which starts next month, is intended to free up appointments at busy family doctors' surgeries and give patients faster help for minor problems.

Under the scheme, trained pharmacists will be able to assess and, where appropriate, supply medicines for sore throats, earache in children, sinusitis, minor skin infections, insect bites, shingles and uncomplicated urinary tract infections in women. Each condition has an agreed set of guidelines setting out who can be treated and when a patient must be referred to a doctor instead.

Private room, no appointment needed

Consultations will take place in a private room at the pharmacy, and patients will not need to book in advance, although some pharmacies may ask people to come back at a quieter time. The pharmacist will record the consultation and, with the patient's consent, share the details with their GP practice.

Pharmacists already give advice on these conditions every day. This allows us to finish the job, rather than sending people away to wait for an appointment.

Anjali Fennimore, who runs a pharmacy in Northfield and chairs the local pharmacy committee, said 41 of the city's 46 pharmacies had signed up so far. Staff have completed extra training in examination skills, including how to look inside the ear with an otoscope.

Family doctors have broadly welcomed the change. Dr Owen Kettering, a GP in Bramley Cross, said many appointments were taken up by conditions that pharmacists could safely handle. He reminded patients that the scheme is not for serious or worsening symptoms, and that anyone who feels very unwell, or whose symptoms do not improve, should contact their GP or seek urgent care.

The health service said it would publish a list of participating pharmacies before the scheme starts. Pharmacies taking part will display a sign in their window.