Chemists to approve repeat presciptions in radical plan to cut GP waiting times and reduce burden on NHS
Patients will by able to bypass waiting for a GP appointment or dashing to A&E in the proposed measures
SICK Brits who need emergency prescriptions can now bypass their GP under radical plans to cut waiting times.
For the first time a pharmacist will be able to approve repeat medication, instead of patients seeing a doctor or dashing to A&;E.
Health bosses say it will help slash the 200,000 calls to NHS 111 each year for urgently needed drugs such as asthma inhalers, insulin and painkillers.
Pharmacists currently train for five years — one year less than a doctor.
The NHS helpline will also start referring those with minor illnesses such as earache or bites to their local chemist. The scheme will be rolled out across England from December.
Community Health and Care Minister David Mowat said: “This will make more use of pharmacists’ expertise, as well as freeing up time for GPs and reducing visits to A&E for urgent repeat medicines.”
Chemist Mike Maguire said: “There’s nothing worse than running out of medicines when your GP is closed.”
The BMA’s Dr Richard Vautrey welcomed the move but said: “It’s important it focuses on providing emergency medication, and is not a fallback for repeat prescriptions.”