Patients struggling to secure a GP appointment may be able to bypass lengthy waiting times if they have one of seven specific conditions, according to television doctor Dr Hilary Jones. This opportunity arises from the NHS's Pharmacy First initiative, which permits pharmacists to prescribe medications for common ailments without requiring a doctor's consultation.
Overwhelmed GP Surgeries and Unnecessary Pressures
General practitioners across the UK are currently facing significant strain, with 77% reporting that minor injuries and ailments are placing unnecessary pressure on their practices. A recent poll conducted by Asda Pharmacy reveals that 87% of family doctors have experienced a busier winter than usual, while a third spend approximately one hour each day managing conditions that could be effectively treated through the Pharmacy First scheme.
Low Awareness Despite Scheme Implementation
Despite being operational since 2024, public awareness of the Pharmacy First programme remains alarmingly low. The survey indicates that 49% of adults have not heard of the initiative, and half are unaware of the specific conditions it covers. Dr Hilary Jones is actively encouraging individuals to reconsider their healthcare options when dealing with everyday illnesses.
"As a GP with my patients' interests at heart, I'm passionate about telling them that there is a faster and more effective way to have many of their commonest medical conditions treated, without the delay and frustration of having to fight for unnecessary GP appointments," Dr Jones emphasised.
The ISSUE IS Acronym Campaign
To address this knowledge gap, Asda Pharmacy has launched the ISSUE IS awareness campaign, designed to help families understand which conditions can be treated at a pharmacy. This simple, memorable acronym covers the seven common conditions that pharmacists are authorised to treat under the Pharmacy First scheme.
Complete List of Treatable Conditions
- I – Infected insect bites
- S – Sore throats
- S – Sinusitis
- U – Uncomplicated Urinary Tract Infections
- E – Earache
- I – Impetigo
- S – Shingles
Dr Hilary Jones commented on the campaign's potential impact: "Asda's Pharmacy First approach means huge numbers of people can easily obtain the treatment they need for a host of ailments from highly trained pharmacists without the need for a doctor's prescription. The ISSUE IS acronym will go a long way to resolve so many unpleasant symptoms with a minimum of fuss and delay."
Consequences of Appointment Difficulties
The research conducted by Asda Pharmacy uncovered concerning trends in patient behaviour when facing appointment challenges. Approximately 58% of Britons delayed seeking treatment after being unable to secure a GP appointment, while 32% cited excessively long waiting times as a barrier. Alarmingly, one in seven individuals resorted to visiting urgent care centres or accident and emergency departments for minor symptoms that could have been managed through pharmacy services.
Pharmacy Accessibility and System Relief
Faisal Tuddy, Asda's Head of Pharmacy, explained the rationale behind the campaign: "When someone in the family feels unwell, knowing what to do next can feel like another decision in an already busy day. That mental load often leads people to default to the GP, even when faster, simpler care is available closer to home."
He continued: "With more than 230 Asda Pharmacies across the UK, ISSUE IS gives customers a memorable way to recognise when Pharmacy First is the right choice, making it easier to see a pharmacist quickly, get treated sooner, and ease unnecessary pressure on GP surgeries."
The Pharmacy First scheme represents a significant shift in how common medical conditions are managed within the NHS, offering patients quicker access to treatment while simultaneously alleviating the burden on overstretched general practitioners. As awareness grows through campaigns like ISSUE IS, more patients may discover they can receive prompt care for these seven conditions without enduring the frustration of GP appointment queues.
