The Pharmacy First scheme was launched in England last year and allows pharmacists to diagnose and provide treatments for seven prevalent conditions
With the colder weather moving in, millions might bypass extended GP waiting times to obtain the treatment and advice they require. Healthcare experts are bracing for an influx of patients ahead of winter, but for individuals suffering from seven particular ailments, seeking help from a neighbourhood pharmacist could prove a swifter solution.
George Sandhu, deputy superintendent at Well Pharmacy, explained: “Now that the cold nights are already upon us, to help both yourself and the NHS, it is worth being aware of these seven conditions that you can speak to your local pharmacist about, just as easily or potentially even easier than getting an appointment to see your GP.”
Figures from August last year revealed more than six million people were awaiting treatment, with typical delays stretching to 14 weeks. To ease pressure on the overstretched NHS, England introduced the Pharmacy First scheme in January 2024, mirroring Scotland’s initiative from 2020.
The programme enables chemists to assess and deliver treatments for seven common ailments, with over 10,000 pharmacies across England taking part to ensure broad availability of the service. George shed light on the challenges GPs encounter during the colder months, saying: “In the winter GP’s will face a vast amount of people seeking help for their sniffles and sore throats. People might be unaware that through the Pharmacy First service we are able to treat them directly at the point of contact in the pharmacy.”
He added: “There is no need to phone up for a GP appointment, if suffering from any of the seven ailments visit your local Pharmacy and speak with our team who will help find the right course of treatment for you.”
Ear infection
If you are experiencing difficulty hearing, pain inside the ear, or nausea, it is possible you have an ear infection. Other signs can include fluid leaking from the ear, reports Bristol Live.
Ear infections tend to become more prevalent during the winter as temperatures drop, particularly among children. Pharmacists can provide ear drops for treatment, and antibiotics may be prescribed if there is discharge from the ear.
It is advised against inserting cotton buds or fingers into your ears, and using earplugs while swimming is recommended.
Sinusitis
Sinusitis could be the culprit if you notice a diminished sense of smell or hearing issues. Symptoms such as a blocked or runny nose and a loss of smell can occur simultaneously or separately over time.
Following a cold or flu, it is common to experience symptoms such as green or yellow mucus from the nose, a high temperature, headache, toothache, bad breath and a feeling of pressure in your ears.
Pharmacists can provide advice on medicines that can help, including decongestant nasal sprays or drops designed to unblock your nose. They can also supply salt water nasal sprays that cleanse the inside of your nose.
If you are running a high temperature or don’t feel well enough to carry out your usual activities, it is best to stay at home and avoid contact with others until you’re feeling better.
Sore throat
Many sore throats can be treated at home, but some may necessitate a trip to the pharmacy. Pharmacists can suggest various methods to alleviate pain and discomfort, such as paracetamol or ibuprofen.
Medicated lozenges containing a local anaesthetic, antiseptic or anti-inflammatory can help soothe symptoms. If deemed necessary, antibiotics may also be prescribed.
Impetigo
This contagious skin infection is not typically serious and can affect anyone, though it is more prevalent in young children. With appropriate treatment, it usually improves within a few days.
The infection typically starts with sores and blisters, which usually burst quickly, leaving crusty golden-brown patches on the skin. However, once a pharmacist identifies the condition, they can prescribe appropriate treatment.
If the infection is localised, hydrogen peroxide cream may be recommended, while antibiotic cream might be used for more widespread sores.
Infected insect bites
Although the UK sees fewer insects during winter, people returning from holidays abroad may still suffer from infected insect bites. Pharmacists can provide a range of treatments to address these infections, including various oral medications.
These could encompass anti-histamines, steroid creams, and painkillers, all aimed at relieving itching, reducing redness from the rash, and facilitating a full recovery.
Shingles
Shingles is often a painful infection that typically presents with a rash. The initial symptom is usually a tingling or painful sensation in a specific area of the skin, sometimes accompanied by a headache or general malaise, with the rash appearing a few days later.
The infection can persist for up to four weeks, but pharmacists can offer prompt treatment to alleviate the patient’s discomfort. The prescribed treatment will depend on the severity of the symptoms or the risk of complications.
Mild cases of shingles may not necessitate treatment, but for more severe instances, patients are often provided with antiviral tablets to expedite the recovery process. These are particularly prescribed for those with a compromised immune system. Pain relief and steroid tablets can also be obtained from the pharmacy.
Uncomplicated urinary tract infections
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) typically occur when bacteria from faecal matter infiltrate the urinary tract. This bacteria enters the urethra, which is the tube responsible for expelling urine from the body.
Women, having a shorter urethra than men, are more susceptible to these bacteria reaching their bladder or kidneys. Pharmacists can provide advice on how to best manage the infection, including recommending suitable painkillers.
Patients can also receive guidance on when it would be appropriate to consult a GP regarding their symptoms. UTIs can be prevented by adhering to certain advice that pharmacists might offer, such as maintaining cleanliness and dryness in the genital area.
It’s also advised to consume ample fluids throughout the day, especially water, to ensure frequent urination and prevent thirst.
