South Central Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust (SCAS) is joining NHS partners across Hampshire and the Thames Valley to encourage local people to see their community pharmacist for seven common conditions this winter.
More than 100,000 people across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight have used services offered by community pharmacists since December 2023 which has freed up many GP appointments.
Community pharmacies can now offer a number of different services including free blood pressure checks for those over 40, free contraceptives following a consultation with a pharmacist without the need of a GP appointment and are seeing many patients with minor ailments who have been referred to them from their GP and NHS 111.
The Pharmacy First scheme, which launched on 31 January 2024, also offers patients treatment for seven common conditions directly from their local pharmacy, without the need for a GP appointment or prescription.
The seven conditions are:
- Sinusitis
- Sore throat
- Earache
- Infected insect bites
- Impetigo
- Shingles
- Uncomplicated urinary tract infections (UTIs) in women aged 16-64
Pharmacy First enables community pharmacists to advise on how to manage a condition and supply prescription-only medicines (without a prescription), including antibiotics and antivirals where clinically appropriate.
Pharmacists are also trained to advise as to whether you need to see a GP, nurse or other healthcare professional if it is something more serious to ensure you get the help you need. They are also trained to provide health and wellbeing advice.