Migraine added to conditions that pharmacists can treat

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By Jane Kirby, PA Media

Pharmacists will be able to treat people with migraines, acne, more types of ear infection and other conditions as the NHS Pharmacy First scheme is expanded.

The scheme allows people to get care for certain common illnesses from pharmacists without needing to see a GP first.

From this autumn as part of a phased rollout, people will be able to get help and treatment for acne, migraines, scabies, certain ear infections and allergic rhinitis from those pharmacies that take part.

At the moment, pharmacies can treat seven conditions under Pharmacy First – including impetigo, infected insect bites, shingles, sinusitis, one type of ear infection, sort throat and urinary tract infections.

Once fully rolled out, the NHS expects between two and three million consultations for the new list of five conditions could be held in pharmacies.

Earlier this month it was announced that 100 pharmacies will pilot delivering a rapid cholesterol blood test.