Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info Amid warnings of a 'tripledemic' of cold, flu and Covid this winter, millions could bypass the GP queue and directly access advice and medication for seven common health conditions.
As doctors and hospital staff prepare for a surge in patients before Christmas, those affected by these ailments might avoid the hassle of long waits to see a specialist. Well Pharmacy's deputy superintendent George Sandhu said: "Now that the cold nights are already upon us, to help both yourself, and the NHS, it is worth being aware of these seven conditions that you can speak to your local pharmacist about, just as easily or potentially even easier than getting an appointment to see your GP." With over six million patients on the waiting list for treatment as of August, and a median wait of 14 weeks, the Pharmacy First scheme—launched in England in January following Scotland's lead from 2020—aims to relieve pressure on the strained health service.
This initiative allows pharmacists to diagnose and prescribe for these conditions, with more than 10,000 pharmacies across England participating in the Pharmacy First service, ensuring widespread availability. George continued: "In the winter GP's will face a vast amount of people seeking help for their sniffles and sore throats. People might be unaware that through the Pharmacy First service we are able to .