No need for a visit to the docs

Patients in the Wishaw area with urinary tract infections (UTIs) or skin condition impetigo can now be treated directly at community pharmacies without the need for an appointment with their GP.

New Scotland-wide initiative‘Pharmacy First’ allows patients to access advice and treatment for uncomplicated UTIs in women aged between 16 and 65 and impetigo for any adult or child aged over two without having to see their GP first.

Patients seeking treatment for either condition will be asked about their symptoms to enable pharmacists to give the right advice and treatment.

Welcoming the initiative, George Lindsay, Chief Pharmacist, Primary Care, NHS Lanarkshire, said:“Both these conditions are very common among the general population and often account for a significant proportion of GP and out-of-hours appointments.

Pharmacists are qualified healthcare professionals who train for many years in their field. It makes absolute sense to use their skills and knowledge to increase access to clinical advice - and treatment where appropriate - for patients within their community.

“We have 144 community pharmacies across Lanarkshire and, given the current, national pressures facing general medical and out-of-hours services, the benefits of pharmacists supporting the GP role in this way is invaluable.”

Patients can find the opening times of their nearest pharmacy at www.nhsinform.scot or by calling 0800 22 44 88.