Two extra services to treat common conditions without a
prescription from the pharmacy will be available from most
community pharmacies across Wales.
The Welsh Government is investing an extra £6m in community
pharmacies to make the sore throat test and treat and the urinary
tract infection (UTI) services available in 99% of pharmacies
ahead of the winter.
The roll-out of the services will help to give people access to
free NHS care without a GP appointment and ensure the NHS
maximises the skills and expertise of pharmacists, and pharmacy
technicians.
The award-winning sore throat test and treat service and the new
UTI service, which was introduced last summer, will be available
nationally, from 4 June and 1 October, respectively.
Health Secretary said: "Community
pharmacies play a vital role in providing healthcare across
Wales. This extra investment ensures they can continue serving
communities effectively.
“This agreement will ensure the national roll-out of the proven
sore throat test and treat service alongside the new UTI service.
“These programmes are part of our commitment to ensuring people
can receive care closer to home, expanding access to these
services will mean even more people in Wales can access the right
care, in the right place, at the right time.”
The extra investment in community pharmacy follows discussions
between Welsh Government, Community Pharmacy Wales and NHS Wales.
