Pharmacies in the East of England provide wider range of treatments to the public

Pharmacies in the East of England provide wider range of treatments to the public image

Home » News » Pharmacies in the East of England provide wider range of treatments to the public

People in the East of England can now be treated for a range of common conditions at their high street pharmacy without the need to see a GP first, as part of a major transformation in the way the NHS delivers primary care.

More than 1,000 community pharmacies across the region are part of this ground-breaking initiative, making it easier and more convenient for people to access care when they need it.

NHS England estimates up to one million appointments with GPs in the East of England can instead be done by pharmacists treating these common conditions, allowing GPs to treat more serious illnesses.

Bill Rial, regional chief pharmacist for the NHS in the East of England said: “This major expansion of pharmacy services makes it more convenient for people to get help when they need it for a wider range of conditions, giving them more choice in where and how they access care.

“Highly trained pharmacists will be able to assess and treat patients for sinusitis, sore throat, earache, infected insect bite, impetigo, shingles, and uncomplicated urinary tract infections in women (under the age of 65) without the need for an appointment or prescription.

“When people feel unwell, we want them to think pharmacy first.  Many pharmacies can now treat a wide range of conditions, and if necessary advise people on where to go to get treatment if they can’t help.”

Claire Langan, superintendent pharmacist manager at the Abbey Field pharmacy in Colchester, said: “Many pharmacies have dedicated consultation rooms in their premises, so they can provide personal advice to patients on many conditions, in addition to advising on medications and prescriptions.

“I hope many more people will visit their local pharmacy to seek treatment, as pharmacies are very local and very accessible with no need to book an appointment.”

The national ‘Think pharmacy first’ initiative is part of the NHS and government’s plans to provide a wider range of choices in primary care for people to access the right care for their needs. Over 10,000 pharmacies across England are taking part in this initiative, saving 10 million GP appointments a year.

NHS England will be running a national campaign throughout February to encourage people to think pharmacy first when they have these particular ailments.

View all news

Latest news and highlights

News

22 August 2025

Local residents invited to have their say on community and mental health…

People living in Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes will get the chance to shape the future of community and mental health services in the area,…

News

19 August 2025

Local NHS waiting lists fall again, despite small national increase

NHS waiting lists in Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes have fallen again, according to new figures issued by NHS England. Despite a small rise of…

News

14 August 2025

School and college leavers invited to check out NHS and care careers,…

With tens of thousands of young people in Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes set to receive their A Level, T Level, NVQ and GCSE results today and next week, school…

News

14 August 2025

Mums-to-be in the East of England can skip the GP to get…

Newly pregnant women across the East of England can now self-refer online to get their “all-important” first midwife appointments quicker, ensuring the best and most personalised care for their baby.…

Case Study

11 August 2025

Learning disabilities care provider uses digital records to improve care

A local care organisation that provides care to people with a learning disability has been reaping the benefits of using digital care records. Winray Care Housing in Luton provides care…

News

5 August 2025

Chairs which can lift people who fall in their own homes reduce…

A chair which helps lift people safely and quickly in an emergency after a fall has been proven to reduce avoidable ambulance call-outs and associated healthcare costs, improve care, and…