Pharmacists able to prescribe for more conditions under new deal

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By Storm Newton, PA Media and Daniel Pye

People in England will be able to seek treatment for more conditions at their local pharmacy without being referred back to their GP, the government has announced.

The £340 million deal will expand independent prescribing, meaning pharmacists with a relevant qualification will be able to make decisions and prescribe medicines on the spot.

The changes, which come into force this autumn, will ease pressure on family doctors, ministers said.

But Dr Steve Taylor, Doctors’ Association UK GP co-lead said: “There are significant concerns that diagnosis and management of even ‘simple’ conditions might mean things are missed.”

The deal builds on the Pharmacy First scheme, which will be expanded to include more health issues.

At the moment, the initiative allows patients to see their pharmacist for advice, over-the-counter treatments and prescription-only medicines for seven commons conditions: sore throat, earache, sinusitis, shingles, impetigo, infected bites and urinary tract infections.

They may also visit the pharmacy for eye, ear, oral and dental care, and seek treatment for digestive problems.