Hundreds of pharmacies across England are set to offer quicker treatment for five everyday conditions, including migraines and acne, starting this autumn. This expansion of the Pharmacy First Scheme means patients can access on-the-spot care without needing a GP appointment first.
The conditions covered by the new service include acne, migraines, scabies, ear infections, and rhinitis. People will be able to walk into participating high street pharmacies to receive treatment, aiming to make healthcare more convenient.
This initiative is also expected to help reduce pressure on GP services and A&E departments, particularly in anticipation of the upcoming winter months. NHS figures for 2024/25 show over 77,000 hospital admissions for ear diseases, 47,500 for migraines, 5,000 for rhinitis, and 681 for scabies.
The Pharmacy First Scheme, launched in February 2024, has already provided 14 million consultations for seven other common conditions, including 2 million for acute sore throats and over 1.7 million for urinary tract infections. Once fully implemented, the expanded scheme could lead to 2 to 3 million consultations for the five new conditions annually in community pharmacies.