People living in Sussex are being encouraged to make their pharmacy the go-to place for everyday health concerns.
Backed by NHS Sussex, the national drive aims to simplify access to care and relieve the strain on busy GP surgeries.
Since January 2023, community pharmacies have been equipped to treat seven common conditions, with no GP visit required.
Highly trained pharmacists can assess and treat patients for the following conditions without the need for an appointment or prescription:
- sinusitis (12 years and over)
- sore throat (5 years and over)
- earache (1 to 17 years)
- infected insect bite (1 year and over)
- impetigo (1 year and over)
- shingles (18 years and over)
- non-recurring urinary tract infections in women (16 to 64 years)
Dr David Stokes, GP partner at St Lawrence Surgery in Worthing, said: “For the longest time, community pharmacies have been a place you can go to get simple advice on health issues you are struggling with. Now, pharmacists are able to see and treat seven specific conditions, often on the same day, without needing a GP appointment.”
Community pharmacists can now also initiate oral contraception and provide ongoing monitoring and supply through the NHS Pharmacy Contraception Service.
Pharmacists are qualified healthcare professionals who complete five years of clinical training and now play a key role in providing urgent care in the community.
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