Patients visiting Lincoln Urgent Treatment Centre (UTC) with certain common conditions can now be referred directly to their local community pharmacy for treatment, thanks to the new Pharmacy First pilot.
The scheme means people attending the UTC with one of seven common conditions may be offered a same-day appointment at a nearby pharmacy, instead of waiting to be seen at the centre. These conditions include:
- Sinusitis
- Sore throat
- Earache
- Infected insect bite
- Impetigo (a skin infection)
- Shingles
- Uncomplicated urinary tract infections (women aged 16–64)
The aim is to give patients quicker, more convenient access to treatment, while increasing access and capacity within Lincoln UTC. helping to keep urgent care services free for patients presenting with more serious or complex health needs.
Community pharmacists are highly trained healthcare professionals who can provide advice, treatment, and, where appropriate, prescribe medicines for these conditions without the need for a GP or UTC appointment.
Dr Sunil Hindocha, Medical Director at NHS Lincolnshire Integrated Care Board (ICB), said:
“Pharmacy First is about making sure patients get the right care, in the right place, at the right time. By working more closely with local pharmacies, we can ease pressure on urgent care services and ensure people with serious health needs are seen quickly, while also making it more convenient for those with minor illnesses.”
Patients who are referred will be given details of a local participating pharmacy and advised to present to the pharmacy where a pharmacist will provide a clinical consultation in a private consultation room and offer a prescription only medicine if clinically appropriate, and often on the same day.
The initiative is part of a wider NHS programme to expand the role of community pharmacies, making it easier for people to access advice and treatment close to home.
For more information about Pharmacy First, visit the website.