Suffolk pharmacist urges people to 'think pharmacy first' when seeking treatment
They are helping relieve pressure on local GPs
A pharmacist in Suffolk's urging people to "think pharmacy first" when they need treatment.
Back in January, rules were changed to allow local community pharmacies to assess and treat seven common conditions: sinusitis, sore throats, earache (for those aged 1 to 17), infected insect bites, impetigo, shingles, and uncomplicated urinary tract infections in women (aged 16 to 64).
It's in a bid to reduce pressure on GPs and free up more GP appointments for others.
Stuart Beer's a pharmacist in the county and says, whilst it's going well, more people could be making use of them:
"People have generally said it's sped up the process for them to get treated and as a local pharmacy they know the local chemist and are used to coming in and seeing us so they are happy to come in and receive treatment from us.
"It's been a fairy steady flow of people, we've done several consultations and we are expecting it to get busier as more awareness is raised. It's started off well and we are progressing well with it."
The service means quicker access to the care, along with new oral contraception and blood pressure services that is helping to free up to 10 million GP appointments a year.
Stuart had this message for anyone who is unsure if they should visit their local pharmacy:
"You can always have a look online and see if your symptoms are fitting into the criteria we can treat, you can also ring the pharmacy or pop in and we are always happy to see you and help."