Pharmacy2U is now part of the NHS Pharmacy First service, offering same-day appointments to manage six common conditions.
The new NHS Pharmacy First service aims to shift consultations, management of conditions and treatment to pharmacies for common conditions. This is expected to free up to 10 million GP appointments a year, according to the NHS.
The service allows people to visit their local pharmacy for sinusitis, sore throat, earache, infected insect bites, impetigo, shingles, and uncomplicated urinary tract infections in women.
By bypassing the GP, patients can access more immediate care and treatment, freeing up GP appointments for others. This is part of a wider effort to ease pressure on GPs, especially as recent data suggests 50% of British patients have experienced difficulty reaching their GP practice by phone.
Patients can book an appointment online to talk to a pharmacist at Pharmacy2U, from the comfort of their own home. If medication is required, Pharmacy2U can write a prescription and deliver it for free using Royal Mail’s 24-hour service.
Kevin Heath, CEO at Pharmacy2U, expressed excitement for joining the NHS Common Condition service and emphasized the convenience and privacy of the new service for patients.
