Pharmacist plan will end GP crisis: Sunak

PATIENTS will avoid the wait to see a GP by getting more health services directly from pharmacists under plans announced by Rishi Sunak last night.

The Conservative leader, who grew up working in his mother’s pharmacy, wants chemists to cut pressure on GPS and hospitals by playing a bigger role. But he is also pledging to build new GP surgeries, providing an additional five million appointments each year.

“The NHS is one of our most important national assets and the Conservatives are taking the long-term decisions to secure its future.

“As part of our clear plan we are investing in community services, making it quicker, easier and more convenient for patients to receive the care they need and help to relieve pressure on hospital services,” he said.

Official figures last week revealed more than three million patients had to wait at least three weeks to see their GP, but Mr Sunak argues that making more use of pharmacists will eventually free up 20 million GP appointments.

Pharmacists will offer women more contraceptive options and provide support for women going through the menopause.they will also be authorised to provide treatment for more conditions such as acne and chest infections, without the need to see a GP.

Other elements of his plan include building 100 new GP surgeries, modernising 150 existing GP premises and building 50 new community diagnostic centres, that would deliver a further 2.5 million checks and tests a year.

‘We are making it quicker for patients to receive the care they need’