News and media releases from the Surrey Heartlands area
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Surrey patients embrace new NHS Pharmacy First service for fast and easy health advice
Patients in Surrey are increasingly relying on the new Pharmacy First service as a convenient way to access clinical advice for minor health concerns. With over 30,000 consultations already completed between February and July 2024, the service is proving to be a game-changer in local healthcare.
Highly trained community pharmacies can offer treatment and, when appropriate, some prescription medicine, for the following seven common conditions, without patients needing to see a GP:
- Ear infections (for those aged 1 to 17 years)
- Impetigo (for those aged 1 year and over)
- Infected insect bites (for those aged 1 year and over)
- Shingles (for those aged 18 years and over)
- Sinusitis (for those aged 12 years and over)
- Sore throat (for those aged 5 years and over)
- Uncomplicated urinary tract infections (for women aged 16 to 64 years)
Community pharmacy teams are highly skilled, qualified health professionals who have the right clinical training to give people the health advice they need. Patients don't need an appointment, private consultation rooms are available and pharmacy teams can also signpost to other relevant local services where necessary.
Pharmacists have long played a vital role in helping communities stay healthy. By expanding the services community pharmacies offer, the NHS aims to free up GP appointments and give people more choice in how and where they access care.
Dr Amy Blakemore, GP Partner at Cranleigh Medical Practice, said:
We’re currently referring more people with uncomplicated UTIs, acute sore throats and ear ache and it’s helpful to know that we can refer to Pharmacy First for the other four conditions.
The benefits of referring patients to community pharmacies is that they may get seen more quickly than if they wait for an appointment in the practice and often the times are more flexible, for instance the pharmacy may be able to see them in the evening and at weekends which we don’t offer here.
Linda Honey, Director of Pharmacy, Surrey Heartlands, encouraged patients to make the most of the service:
GP practices are busy and often an appointment with them isn’t necessary. If you or a member of your family are feeling unwell with any of the seven conditions, please visit your local pharmacy and ask for a consultation.
You’ll receive advice and even medication, if you need it, getting you on the road to recovery sooner.
Julia Powell, CEO, Community Pharmacy Surrey & Sussex, highlighted the service’s availability:
We’re thrilled that 97% of Surrey community pharmacies now offer Pharmacy First. Patients can also be referred by NHS 111 or other medical or emergency care providers.
Find out more information about pharmacies and Pharmacy First on our website.