Antony Higginbotham MP visited Cohen's Pharmacy on Coal Clough Lane to speak with pharmacist Lorraib about how Pharmacy First will speed up diagnosis and treatment for those in need.
The new Pharmacy First scheme enables your local pharmacy to treat common conditions with prescription-only medicines, without you needing to visit the GP.
What is Pharmacy First?
Patients across Burnley and Padiham can now get prescription-only treatment for seven common conditions at their local pharmacy, without needing to see a GP.
This can include prescribing and supplying antibiotics and antivirals where clinically appropriate.
What conditions can be treated at my pharmacy?
Your pharmacy can now supply prescription-only treatment, if they believe you need it, for the following conditions:
- Sinusitis (for patients aged 12 years and over only)
- Sore throat (aged 5+)
- Earache (aged 1 year-17)
- Infected insect bite (aged 1 year+)
- Impetigo (aged 18 years+)
- Shingles (aged 18 years+)
- Uncomplicated urinary tract infections (women aged 16 to 64)
How does it work?
If you are feeling unwell with any of these conditions, you can go to your local participating pharmacy and ask for a private consultation with the pharmacist.
You may also be referred by a GP practice if they don’t have any appointments and believe your pharmacy can help. The 111 helpline service may also refer you. Pharmacists can also offer this service on-the-spot if you go in asking generally for help.
Pharmacists may offer a virtual consultation by phone or video call, or in person in a private room in the pharmacy. They will ask questions, may perform an examination and must get your consent to access your medical records. The pharmacist will be able to recommend the best course of action based on your clinical needs. This might include issuing prescriptions for antibiotics or antivirals where necessary or advising you on over-the-counter treatments that could help.
Commening Antony Higginbotham MP said:
I'm really pleased to see the rollout of Pharmacy First - and to meet with Lorraib about it up at the pharmacy on Coal Clough Lane. This is a game changer when it comes to accessing GP services - as enabling pharmacies to take on some of the less serious conditions will mean less of a wait when you want to see your GP. That's why, along with local pharmacies across Burnley and Padiham, I've been promoting this new service so that people are better informed. Because the more people who are aware of the changes, the faster we can all get treatment as and when it is needed.
