You Can Skip The GP Queue If You Have One Of These 7 Health Complaints

Most (87% of) doctors say this winter has been busier than usual for minor health concerns, according to research commissioned by Asda Pharmacy, with nearly a third (31%) spending more than an hour every day treating conditions that could be safely managed in pharmacies.

The same survey found 77% of GPs say minor conditions are putting unnecessary pressure on surgeries. 

The issue isn’t patients seeking help unnecessarily, the pharmacy suggested, but instead that they just don’t know where to go for their ailments other than their GP.

It makes sense: NHS England’s Pharmacy First initiative only started in January 2024, and if people have had no reason to go to the doctors in this time, they may not be aware that there are other options available to them for minor ailments and prescription-only medications.

What is Pharmacy First?

Pharmacy First enables people to get certain prescription medications directly from a pharmacy, without the need for a GP appointment.

This initiative frees up GP appointments for those who needs them most, as well as improving access to safe and quality healthcare.  

NHS England explained: “Community pharmacies offer a more convenient way to access healthcare that includes support with healthy eating, exercise, stopping smoking, monitoring your blood pressure, contraception, flu and covid vaccinations.”

If you’re feeling nervous about seeing a pharmacist or even just a little unsure, rest assured that it is often a very reliable, helpful service and in fact, the public perceptions of community pharmacy survey found that over 90% of patients who sought guidance from a community pharmacy within the past year reported receiving good advice.

What are the conditions you can see a pharmacist for?

Asda Pharmacy have launched ISSUE IS, an awareness campaign designed to help families quickly recognise when Pharmacy First is the right choice.

‘ISSUE IS’ is a simple, memorable acronym covering common conditions pharmacists can treat:

I – Infected insect bites

S – Sore throats

S – Sinusitis

U – Uncomplicated UTIs

E – Earache

I – Impetigo

S – Shingles

To help drive change, Asda has partnered with TV doctor Dr Hilary Jones to encourage the public to rethink where they go first when everyday illness strikes.

Dr Hilary Jones said: “Too many people still don’t realise how much their local pharmacy can do. Pharmacists are trained healthcare professionals who can assess symptoms and provide NHS treatment for common conditions.

“Pharmacy First helps patients get seen faster and reduces pressure on GP surgeries – and Asda’s ISSUE IS campaign makes it easier than ever to know where to go first.”