Pharmacy scheme 'quickens access' to services

South West pharmacists have helped more than 500,000 patients with minor illnesses since January 2024

High street pharmacists in the South West have helped more than 540,000 patients with minor illnesses since January 2024, figures have shown.

NHS England South West said following the Pharmacy First scheme's launch, which aimed to expand services offered by pharmacies, 220,000 people had received help without an appointment for seven common conditions such as sore throats.

It added a further 191,639 consultations for minor illness referrals and 128,564 consultations for urgent medicine supplies had also been conducted.

Catriona Ketiar, regional chief pharmacist, said the scheme had helped get patients quicker access to services.

"Our local community pharmacies already play an important role in their communities and work closely with the general practices in their areas to support their communities' health and wellbeing," she said.

"Many people live just a short walk away from their local pharmacy so it is great to see so many in the South West benefiting from this easy and convenient way of managing and treating these common illnesses."