James Wild MP sees Pharmacy First offering patients in Snettisham better access to healthcare
Under the new Pharmacy First scheme people can be assessed for common minor illness and get a prescription without needing a GP appointment and James Wild MP visited Snettisham pharmacy to see it in practice.
James met pharmacy owner and practicing pharmacist Ben Ampomah and staff at the Snettisham pharmacy to hear more about the rollout of the scheme. It enables people to visit pharmacies as a first port of call for help with a range of common minor illnesses. The seven conditions are sinusitis, sore throat, earache, infected insect bites, impetigo, shingles and uncomplicated urinary tract infections.
After a NHS consultation assessment, the pharmacist will recommend the most clinically appropriate course of action which may include treatment bought over the counter, advice for self-care, or supplying a prescription only medicine, such as an antibiotic or antiviral, with no need for a GP appointment. Ben Ampomah spoke of the positive impact this has had on the community, particularly to older residents.
Since its launch, over 98% of all English pharmacies offer the service with 172 pharmacies across the Norfolk and Waveney area signed up. The Pharmacy First scheme is backed by £645 million to alleviate pressure on GPs.
Whilst at Snettisham Pharmacy, James also spoke to pharmacy technician, Gail, to learn of her role in the pharmacy alongside the dispensing team. Technicians offer a supportive role to pharmacists, managing and preparing the supply of medicines. He also had his blood pressure checked as part of the health checks also offered by pharmacies.
Tony Dean, Joint Chief Officer of Community Pharmacy Norfolk & Suffolk helped facilitate the visit to highlight the scheme as well as other pressures facing pharmacies.
Commenting after the visit, James Wild MP said:
“Making it simpler for people to get advice treatment for minor conditions from trained pharmacy staff will benefit patients and help support pharmacies which are a valued and trusted part of local communities. I was impressed by the impact the new Pharmacy First scheme is already having in Snettisham and the positive experience for local people who are using it.”
Tony Dean, Joint Chief Officer of Community Pharmacy Norfolk & Suffolk said:
“It’s great that James is visiting a local pharmacy to hear about the significant new Pharmacy First service, which allows our Pharmacists to provide advice and supply prescription only medication, including antibiotics and antivirals where clinically appropriate, to treat seven common health conditions without the need to visit their GP. This is an important step forward for community pharmacy, but this does come at a time when all pharmacies are also facing massive financial and medicines supply challenges, and we are grateful that James is also keen to hear what is needed going forwards for our pharmacies to continue to take more pressures off other parts of the healthcare system.”
