GovWire

The delivery plan for recovering access to primary care set out proposals for a Pharmacy First service that will enable community pharmacy to supply some prescription-only medication, where clinically appropriate, for 7 common conditions (sore throat, infected ears, impetigo, shingles, infected insect bites, sinusitis and uncomplicated urinary tract infections in women) without the need for a GP appointment and a prescription.

The plan also proposes to expand the existing blood pressure check and oral contraception services. Together, these new and expanded services could remove 10 million appointments a year from general practice once fully scaled.