More power to pharmacists

Chemists to prescribe extra drugs and treat wider range of illnesses

PHARMACISTS will become the first port of call for most minor illnesses under plans being considered by Sajid Javid to free up GPs to deal with more serious cases.

The health Secretary’s battle plan for improving access to family doctors includes options to give local chemists enhanced powers to treat a wide range of minor complaints.

This is likely to include handing them the power to prescribe a number of medicines which are currently the sole preserve of doctors.

A health source said Mr Javid wanted to see a ‘substantially’ increased role for pharmacists, adding: ‘he is looking at expanding quickly the role that they play. he is interested in whether they can do more in terms of prescribing.

‘It is all about sharing the workload and freeing up GPs to deal with more complex cases.’

The source said the health Secretary was examining the ‘Pharmacy First’ scheme in Scotland that allows pharmacies to treat a wide range of common conditions from earache and sore throats to hay fever and cystitis.

Ministers hope the scheme will make it easier for patients with minor conditions to get treatment more quickly, as well as freeing up GPs.

Writing in the Mail today, Mr Javid

said: ‘Another way we’re going to ensure more time is spent with patients is by spreading the workload. i want every practice to use the NhS Community Pharmacy Consultation service, so our brilliant community pharmacists can do more in terms of prescribing.

‘i’m asking my Department to work with the NhS and look at a ‘Pharmacy First’ scheme for england, so pharmacists can provide treatment for specific conditions like sore throats, without patients having to go to their GP, building on pilot schemes in england and much as they already do in Scotland.’ The move is likely

‘Freeing up valuable time’

to be welcomed by pharmacists, who have been pushing to play a bigger role in community healthcare. Around 800 GP practices are currently signed up to the Community Pharmacist Consultation Scheme, which refers patients with a limited range of minor conditions to their local pharmacy.

The scheme, launched in 2019, has so far led to 64,000 referrals, freeing up valuable time for GPs.

But Scotland’s ‘Pharmacy First’ scheme goes much further. Patients living north of the border are advised to attend a local pharmacy for advice and treatment on all minor illnesses and health concerns, ranging from backache and verrucas to eczema and allergies.

Patients can attend any pharmacy for advice, and in most cases they do not need to make an appointment. Those requiring privacy can seek advice in dedicated consultation rooms.

Pharmacists have the power to issue advice and prescribe medicines, including antibiotics, if needed. however, patients displaying unusual or serious symptoms will be referred to their GP or local hospital.

As with GPs, pharmacists will keep records of all treatments.

A health source said Mr Javid would consider whether to replicate the Scottish scheme in england wholesale or adapt it.