Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes (BLMK) Health and Care Partnership have asked Richard to remind constituents to think 'Pharmacy First' on a range of minor ailments rather than waiting for a GP appointment.
The Pharmacy First approach, launched by the previous government in February 2024, helps patients across North Bedfordshire to receive care more quickly through better use of our community pharmacies. All pharmacies in BLMK are now part of the Pharmacy First scheme.
The scheme allows your local pharmacist to supply prescription-only medicines, including antibiotics and antivirals where clinically appropriate, to treat seven common health conditions without the need for patients to get a GP appointment or prescription.
The conditions and age groups covered by the scheme are:
- sinusitis (12 years old and over)
- sore throat (5 years old and over);
- earache (age 1-17 years);
- infected insect bites (1 year old and over);
- impetigo (1 year old and over);
- shingles (18 years old and over);
- uncomplicated urinary tract infections (women aged 16-64).
Richard Fuller MP said:
The Pharmacy First approach uses the skills of our pharmacists to treat more people in the community without the need for a GP appointment – speeding up their own care as well as reducing pressure on local GP services. So please think Pharmacy First if you have one of the seven commons health conditions listed above are are in the right age group.
If you have any of these conditions, visit a pharmacist for quick expert advice and medication if required.
Find your nearest pharmacy: https://www.nhs.uk/service-search/pharmacy/find-a-pharmacy
