Pharmacists step in to help out overwhelmed GPs
Getting to see a doctor continues to be a problem for many people. This week sees the start of a new government initiative to tackle the problem – now pharmacists will be able to provide medication for some common health problems.
The scheme is called Pharmacy First. Your GP may refer you to a pharmacy, or you can go straight to a pharmacy yourself, if you have any of these health problems:
- sinusitis
- sore throat
- earache
- an infected insect bite
- impetigo
- shingles
- uncomplicated urinary tract infections in women
If you pay prescription charges, you will have to pay if the pharmacist prescribes medication for you. Or the pharmacist may suggest an over-the-counter medication which costs less. Details of your consultation with the pharmacist will be added to your health records, so your GP will know what’s happening.
The new scheme aims to reduce pressure on GPs. It depends on new IT systems working properly. GPs will still need to check records updated under the scheme. And some pharmacists are concerned that they may be overwhelmed by patients unable to see a GP - these new demands on pharmacists come when recent reports suggest many are already struggling to cope with their current workload.
We want to keep an eye on how the new scheme works out – you can let us know by filling in our Have Your Say form or ringing us on 020 8641 9540.