Quicker Access to Treatment Through Your Local Pharmacy
Patients in West Berkshire to Benefit from Expanded Pharmacy First Service
Good news for residents across West Berkshire. From this autumn, participating community pharmacies will be able to provide assessment and treatment for five additional common health conditions, helping people get the care they need more quickly and conveniently, without having to see a GP first.
Under the expanded NHS Pharmacy First service, qualified pharmacists will be able to offer treatment for:
Migraines
Mild to moderate acne
Scabies
Certain ear infections
Rhinitis (hay fever and allergy-related nasal symptoms)
This means many people will be able to walk into a participating pharmacy, receive expert advice, and where appropriate, obtain treatment on the spot, without needing to see a doctor.
Bringing Care Closer to Home
The expansion builds on the success of Pharmacy First, which has already delivered more than 14 million consultations since launching in February 2024. The service was designed to make it easier for people to access care for common conditions while helping reduce pressure on GP practices and urgent care services.
For people in West Berkshire, this could mean quicker access to support, less time waiting for appointments, and more healthcare delivered closer to home. With community pharmacies located throughout towns and villages across the area, many residents may find a pharmacy is their fastest route to advice and treatment for these everyday conditions.
What This Means for Patients
If you develop symptoms of one of the conditions covered by the service, you may be able to visit a participating pharmacy instead of contacting your GP practice first. Pharmacists are highly trained healthcare professionals who can assess symptoms, recommend treatments, and in some cases provide prescription medicines as part of the service.
The new additions join the existing Pharmacy First offer, which already supports people with conditions including sore throat, sinusitis, earache, shingles, infected insect bites, impetigo, and uncomplicated urinary tract infections in women.
Healthwatch West Berkshire's View
Healthwatch West Berkshire welcomes initiatives that make it easier for local people to access NHS care when and where they need it.
Community pharmacies are often one of the most accessible healthcare services available, and expanding the range of conditions they can treat could help residents receive timely support while ensuring GP appointments remain available for those with more complex health needs.
If you are unsure where to seek help, your local pharmacy can often be a good first point of contact for advice.
To find a participating pharmacy near you, visit the NHS website or speak to your local pharmacy team. Find a pharmacy - NHS
Do you prefer going to a GP?, or are you happy to see a pharmacist?, Let us know at:
Phone: 01635 886210
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