The NHS is launching a new campaign to raise awareness of the
seven additional conditions that can now be treated by high
street pharmacies, without needing to see a GP.
From today [Monday], adverts will run across on demand TV
services, radio, bus stops and billboards as well as social
media, encouraging people to use their high street pharmacy for a
wider range of common illnesses.
Launched at the end of January, patients can now get
treatment and medicines from their local pharmacy for seven
common conditions, covering sinusitis, sore throat, earache,
infected insect bite, impetigo, shingles, and uncomplicated
urinary tract infections.
The NHS in England has worked with pharmacies to promote the new
support available for patients as part of its Help Us, Help You
campaign, to raise awareness of the services, now available
across the country.
The nationwide first, is part of the NHS and government primary
care access recovery plan, which aims to help patients get
quicker access to the care they need and will free up to 10
million GP appointments a year.
A recent Ipsos Mori study showed that the public identify
pharmacies as the organisation they would be most likely to go to
if they needed information or advice about a minor health
condition (58%), but one in five (20%) say they do not
normally contact or visit a community pharmacy.
As part of the campaign, a few pharmacy signs across the country
have been temporarily rebranded to ensure patients are aware of
the services on offer at their local pharmacy and include
symptoms for conditions including earache and insect bites.
Dr Claire Fuller, NHS England medical director for
primary care, said: “The changes that the NHS has made
to community pharmacy services mean that people now have a new
easy and convenient way of managing and treating many common
illnesses.
“Pharmacists have always provided continuity and long-term
support to patients, families, and carers - so, this is a safe
and common-sense way of making the NHS easier for patients to
use, and the change has been very well received by patients
already, with thousands accessing treatments from their local
pharmacist.
“This important campaign will help people understand the new
level of support that pharmacies can offer, with skilled and
highly-qualified health professionals delivering even more
excellent support in local communities.”
The Prime Minister, ,
said: “Under our new Pharmacy First approach, it
will become quicker, easier, and more convenient for
people to access NHS care for seven common conditions
locally.
“Importantly, it will also save people time and hassle to get the
straightforward medication they need quickly, because they’ll be
no need to call ahead and no need to make an appointment.
“This bold new approach will free up to 10 million GP
appointments per year, helping to cut waiting lists and deliver
our long-term plan for the NHS”.
Primary Care Minister,
said: “Simpler, faster, fairer – that is how we are
going to deliver the best care to all of our patients. The recent
launch of Pharmacy First means that you can now be treated
for seven conditions without the need to see a GP. Combined with
the expanded Blood Pressure Check and Oral Contraception
services, we can free up 10 million GP appointments per year.
“This campaign will help ensure people know they can access care
for these conditions at their pharmacy, and with four in five
people living just a twenty-minute walk from their local
pharmacy, this will be a convenient option for many.
“I’m grateful to all our hard-working pharmacists for helping to
drive this service forward, which will help reduce pressures on
GPs and cut waiting lists as part of the government’s long term
plan for our NHS.
David Webb, Chief Pharmaceutical Officer for England,
said: “Pharmacy teams play a very important role in
the community as part of the integrated NHS primary care team,
and this expansion of clinical services means patients will have
more choice in accessing the healthcare they need.
“And this campaign will ensure more people are aware of the
convenient options for clinical advice and treatment at the heart
of their local communities, without needing to book an
appointment.”
Popular YouTuber, Abraham the
Pharmacist said: “I would always encourage the public to
make use of their local pharmacy, especially if seeking advice
for any of these seven conditions. Going to your community
pharmacy offers an easy and convenient way to get help – you
don’t need an appointment, and you will be seen in a private
consultation room.”
“All pharmacists train for five years at university and have the
right clinical training to make sure you get the advice you need.
If further support is needed, they can then signpost you to your
general practice team, A&E or other relevant local
service.”
Don't wait for minor health concerns to get worse – think
pharmacy first and get seen by your local
pharmacy team. For more information,
visit nhs.uk/thinkpharmacyfirst
