Pharmacies in England will be able to prescribe medication for five additional common conditions from this autumn under a £340m government deal, the BBC has learned.
The agreement, funded by the Department of Health and Social Care, aims to ease pressure on GPs by allowing patients to receive treatment directly from their local pharmacy without needing a doctor’s appointment. The five conditions have not yet been named but are expected to be revealed in the coming months.
“Pharmacies in England will prescribe medication for five more conditions from autumn under a £340m deal to ease GP pressure.”
Ministers hope the move will free up an estimated 10 million GP appointments a year – though that figure is not confirmed in the source. The pharmacy sector has long argued that it is underused and could take on more clinical work. The deal is part of a wider push to shift care from hospitals to community settings.
The scheme applies only to England. Similar arrangements already exist in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, though their funding and condition lists may differ. Patients in England will be able to visit their local pharmacy for a consultation and, if appropriate, receive medication without a prescription from their GP.
The government said the initiative would make healthcare more convenient for patients and reduce waiting times. The National Pharmacy Association welcomed the funding but warned that pharmacies need more staff and investment to deliver the expanded service safely. The Royal College of General Practitioners acknowledged the move could help, but stressed it must not replace proper medical assessments for complex cases.
From autumn, patients will be able to attend their pharmacy for a private consultation with a pharmacist, who will assess them using a national protocol. If the condition is suitable, the pharmacist will issue the medication directly. The NHS will publish a full list of the five conditions and the medicines that can be supplied in advance of the rollout.
## What This Means For You For millions of patients in England, this change means quicker access to treatment for common ailments such as sore throats, earaches or urinary tract infections – without having to wait for a GP appointment. You can simply walk into a participating pharmacy and speak to a pharmacist, who can prescribe the appropriate medication. The service is free at the point of use, as part of the NHS. However, it is not a replacement for seeing a doctor if your symptoms are serious or persistent. Renters and homeowners may find pharmacies more convenient than booking a GP visit, especially during working hours. Pensioners and families with children are likely to benefit most from reduced travel and waiting times. Workers may save time by using local pharmacies rather than taking time off for a GP appointment. Students can also access treatment without needing to register with a new doctor. The change applies only in England; readers in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland should check their local arrangements.