The NHS has said that people don’t need to book a GP appointment for certain conditions as treatment is available elsewhere.
Brits who are suffering from any of seven health issues don’t have to wait for a GP appointment. Treatment for certain conditions is also available from your local pharmacist.
Due to rising pressures on the NHS, it can be difficult to get a GP appointment, especially as cold and flu season begins. Luckily, there are other ways to get the help you need.
On social media platform X, the NHS reminded people to speak to a pharmacist about “minor illnesses”. It said: “If you’re feeling under the weather, your local pharmacist can help with minor illnesses such as sore throats, coughs and colds.
“No appointment needed, just pop in and get expert advice and treatment.” On the NHS website it elaborated about how pharmacists can help.
“Pharmacists can offer advice on a range of illnesses, such as coughs, colds, sore throats, ear infections and aches and pains,” it said. “They can also give advice about medicines.
“This includes how to use your medicine, worries about side effects or any other questions you have. If they cannot help you themselves, they can refer you to a GP or other health professional.”
Conditions pharmacists can treat
According to the NHS, pharmacists can suggest treatments that do not need a prescription for a range of conditions. It added: “Most pharmacies can also offer prescription medicine for some conditions, without you needing to see a GP or make an appointment. This is called Pharmacy First.”
Conditions pharmacists can offer prescription medicine for are:
- Impetigo (aged one year and over)
- Infected insect bites (aged one year and over)
- Earache (aged one to 17 years)
- Sore throat (aged five years and over)
- Sinusitis (aged 12 years and over)
- Urinary tract infections (UTIs) (women aged 16 to 64 years)
- Shingles (aged 18 years and over)
The NHS said: “If you are not within these age ranges, a pharmacist can still offer advice and support decisions about self care treatment with over the counter medicines, but you may need to see a GP for treatment.
“If you go to a pharmacy with one of these conditions, the pharmacist will offer you advice, treatment or refer you to a GP or other health professional if needed. They will also update your GP health record, but your information will not be shared with anyone else.”
Although most pharmacies can provide prescription medicine for these conditions, you should contact them before visiting to check.