New NHS Pharmacy First Campaign means that NHS pharmacies in south west London begin treating people for common conditions
Going to your local pharmacy offers an easy and convenient way to get clinical advice on minor health concerns, and now community pharmacies can offer treatment for seven common conditions without patients needing to see a GP, as part of a major transformation in the way the NHS delivers care.
Highly trained pharmacists at more than nine in ten pharmacies can now assess and treat patients for earache, impetigo, infected insect bites, shingles, sinusitis, sore throat, urinary tract infections (UTIs) for women aged 16-64 - without the need for a GP appointment or prescription.
Community pharmacy teams are highly-skilled, qualified health professionals who have the right clinical training to give people the health advice they need. Patients don't need an appointment and private consultation rooms are available. Pharmacy teams can also signpost to other relevant local services where necessary.
Pharmacists have always helped patients, families and carers in their communities stay healthy and are well placed to offer treatment for health conditions. By expanding the services community pharmacies offer, the NHS is aiming to free up GP appointments and give people more choice in how and where they access care.
More information
How this is affecting South West London
What Healthwatch Kingston have heard about people's pharmacy experiences
I don't have much faith in pharmacies to provide me with advice. Last time I asked a pharmacist to help with something fairly minor they looked at me like a deer in headlights and said "You need to speak to your GP."
I've been waiting over a week for my local pharmacy to phone me back regarding medication after my GP asked them to.
My local pharmacy is better than my GP. The pharmacist knows everyone's names, is really personable and helpful to everyone in the community.
