Pharmacists in England Empowered to Treat Seven Common Conditions

New powers expected to free up 10 million GP appointments annually, as part of efforts to cut NHS waiting lists.

Pharmacists in England have been given new powers to treat patients with seven common conditions, freeing up an estimated 10 million GP appointments per year.
The conditions include sinusitis, sore throat, earache, infected insect bites, impetigo, shingles and uncomplicated urinary tract infections in women under 65.
More than 9 in 10 community pharmacies in England will be offering the checks under the Pharmacy First scheme.
Pharmacies will receive an initial fixed payment of £2,000 for providing the scheme, plus £15 for every consultation and a monthly fixed payment of £1,000 if they do a minimum number of consultations.
The move is part of a larger effort to cut NHS waiting lists and make healthcare more accessible.