Maggie Throup OBE MP, Member of Parliament for Erewash has welcomed the launch of the Government’s Pharmacy First approach, helping patients across Erewash to receive care more quickly through better use of our community pharmacies.
196 pharmacies in the Derby and Derbyshire Integrated Care Board (ICB) have signed up to Pharmacy First so far, which enables pharmacists to utilise more of their medical skills and training. This will mean that patients across Erewash can receive treatment for seven common health conditions from their local pharmacy without the need to visit a GP or have a prescription.
Their pharmacist will be able to help with conditions include sinusitis, sore throat, earache, infected insect bites, impetigo, shingles, and uncomplicated urinary tract infections in young women. Following the assessment, the pharmacist can then supply the prescription-only medicines, including antibiotics and antivirals, to treat the problem.
Maggie said: “I am delighted that the Government has launched Pharmacy First, using the skills of our pharmacists to treat more people in the community without the need for a GP appointment – speeding up treatment for minor illnesses as well as reducing pressure on local GP services.
“This is good news for patients and for the NHS. It will free up millions of GP appointments per year and mean that patients can get quick and effective treatment from their local pharmacy.
“At least 196 pharmacies have signed up to Pharmacy First across the Derby and Derbyshire ICB ensuring that the local people can access care.
“While Labour are busy playing politics with the nation’s health, it is the Conservative Government that is committed to supporting the NHS and making sure that patients receive the care they need quickly and easily.”
The new Pharmacy First approach will not only speed up access to essential care for patients, but also help to reduce pressure on local GP services by directing people to more appropriate places to be treated. Backed by up to £645 million, 95 per cent of pharmacies across England have opted-in so far, meaning that patients will be able to receive care more quickly without the need to wait for a GP appointment.
The Pharmacy First approach builds on the other measures outlined in the Primary Care Recovery Plan last spring, including tackling the 8am rush by giving GPs new digital tools and providing more GP staff and more appointments.