We are participating in a new approach to improve access for patients to GP appointments. The aim is to direct patients to the most appropriate healthcare professional, which may be a GP or a pharmacist.
From 1st October 2025, Community Pharmacies will have clinical pharmacists available to consult, diagnose and treat / prescribe (using Patient Group Directions) 7 common conditions that have traditionally been seen by GP surgeries. These conditions are:
- Sore throat
- Sinusitis
- Acute otitis media
- Insect bites
- Shingles
- Impetigo
- Urinary Tract Infections
If you call the practice for an appointment for these conditions, you will be referred to the Community Pharmacy Consultation Scheme for by a booked consultation with the pharmacist instead of the GP. You will be given a same-day referral to a pharmacy of your choice. The Clinical Pharmacist will ring you (usually within a hour of being referred) to arrange a consultation with you the same day either face-to-face or by telephone, depending on the issue you have been referred for. We think this is a good thing. Once you see how great your local pharmacist is – they are highly trained and skilled clinicians experienced in treating minor illnesses – we don’t think you’ll look back. This will also help us to free up GP appointments for people with more complex health needs and ensure that everyone gets treated at the right time, by the right healthcare professional.