Patients in England will soon be able to get treatment for common health conditions such as migraines, acne and ear infections at their local pharmacy without needing to see a GP first.
On-the-spot care will be available in hundreds of high street chemists across England in the autumn for five more conditions, including scabies and rhinitis, a common inflammation of the membrane in the nose.
This marks a win for The Mirror’s campaign to save local chemists, and will ease pressure on stretched GPs and A&E departments ahead of winter.
Hospital admissions and NHS figures
NHS figures show there were more than 77,000 hospital admissions for ear infections, 47,500 linked to migraines, 5,000 for vasomotor and allergic rhinitis, and 681 for scabies in 2024/25.
Andy Burnham praised the campaign as he announced plans to expand the Pharmacy First scheme.
Government and NHS response
“The Mirror knows the difference these services can make, especially for older people and those who are vulnerable,” he said. “That’s why they’ve backed community pharmacies to the hilt. And that’s why this government will make pharmacies the front door of the NHS.”
NHS England estimates up to three million consultations for these five conditions could take place each year in community pharmacies once the scheme is fully rolled out. Treatment is already available in chemists for seven conditions, including earache, shingles and sinusitis.
Dr Amanda Doyle, National Director for Primary Care and Community Services at NHS England, said: “As the NHS steps up winter preparations, we want to make sure that patients can get as much support as possible in their communities, so they do not have to be admitted to hospital unnecessarily.
“That’s why participating pharmacies will start offering help for new common conditions such as acne, migraines and ear infections – without needing to get a GP appointment first – so they’re freed up for people who need them most in the colder months.”
Pharmacy association reaction
Henry Gregg, Chief Executive of the National Pharmacy Association, said: “This is a really significant announcement and it is great to see patients being able to be treated for more conditions on their doorstep at their local pharmacy, without having to see a GP.
“We want to see the government turbo charge the role of pharmacies, including rolling out more prescribing services to patients on the NHS.
“In Scotland, patients can be treated for 27 different conditions at their pharmacy, with a third of the population accessing this service last year, many steps ahead of England.
“Pharmacies are still under significant financial pressures and this just shows why the Government should go much further and invest in our pharmacy network that has the power to transform people’s experience of everyday health issues.”
