Jonathan Gullis has spoken out in favour of the Government’s Pharmacy First approach that has the backing of over 200 pharmacies in Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire.
Pharmacy First is designed to allow pharmacists to make better use of their medical skills to treat seven common health conditions without needing to see a GP, freeing up vital GP appointments in our local surgeries.
The Government are investing into pharmacies to enable pharmacists to utilise their skills more effectively and treat seven common health conditions, including urinary tract infections and sore throats, without the need for patients to see a GP or have a prescription. 95 per cent of pharmacies have already signed up, helping to free up to 10 million GP appointments a year.
With the pandemic putting huge pressure on the NHS, the Conservatives have made good progress on cutting waiting lists significantly.
Commenting, Jonathan Gullis MP said: “Pharmacies should play a bigger role in our approach to healthcare. I’ve seen this through the fantastic work at pharmacies like the one at Butt Lane. Pharmacy First builds on this, and I am delighted that over 227 pharmacies in Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire have signed up to the scheme which will help deliver on our pledge to cut waiting lists.”
“The Conservatives are sticking to the plan – cutting waiting lists, investing over £30 million into Stoke-on-Trent's NHS and speeding up access to care for those who need it most.”