Most prefer to see GP instead of pharmacist in new NHS shake-up - poll results

06 February 2024 , 15:52

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Patients can now be treated for a host of common illnesses at their local pharmacy instead of waiting for a GP appointment. (Image: Getty)

Patients can now be treated for a host of common illnesses at their local pharmacy instead of waiting for a GP appointment - freeing up ten million consultations a year. But is this really the answer to help our struggling general practices?

We ran a poll asking Are you happy to see a pharmacist instead of a GP? with a fairly hefty 619 voting yes, while a sizeable 826 said no.

The £645 million deal with NHS England means patients can visit the high street for seven conditions - sinusitis, shingles, impetigo, urinary tract infections, sore throat, earache and infected insect bites and stings. The initiative involves 10,265 community pharmacies across England, with nine out of ten taking part. Walk-in consultations are welcome without the need to book.

NHS England chief executive Amanda Pritchard said: “GPs are already treating millions more people every month than before the pandemic, but with an ageing population and growing demand, we know the NHS needs to give people more choice and make accessing care as easy as possible.

The scheme follows hot-on-the-heels of similar initiatives in Wales and Scotland. Chief executive of the Association of Independent Multiple Pharmacies Dr Leyla Hannbeck welcomed the move but warned that pharmacies are “severely underfunded to the tune of £1.2 billion now and as a direct result of that are reducing opening hours and even closing completely”.

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'Just shifting the stress onto pharmacies. Typical Tories'

Hundreds of you commented on our stories, here's just a selection of what you had to say:

Jensausage: "Cutting back appointments as per their plan but not by investing with more GPs; just by shifting the stress onto pharmacies. Typical tories."

Popster: "Pharmacies shouldn’t have to take on these responsibilities. At the end of the day, while they are well qualified in their field they aren’t doctors and can only offer basic advice and write a prescription for medication. They can’t undertake a thorough examination , order further tests or refer anyone. It will only be a matter of time before they misdiagnose someone with devastating results."

Hippie1969: "That’s fine if you are within the distance. My nearest is at the side of a health centre and is only open when it is. If you need a pharmacy at the weekend or evening then it’s a bus journey."

Martin Shaw: "The pharmacist I have spoken to has been more helpful than my doctor. The doctors these days seem to have it easy outsourcing everything they can."

Andypandy67: "My local pharmacist is excellent and I would rather see a pharmacist face to face than speak to a doctor on the phone. How a doctor can examine you, or notice things that don't look normal down the phone beggars belief."

Rednoseandy: "Chemists are closing stores and cutting staff working hours and the government must put cash into them."

Angelmc: "Too many can't see their GP and instead of going to the pharmacy they go to A&E for non emergencies and put the system under further strain."

Mj55: "I think this proposal could well work out in practice. There are many GP appointments that don't require a GP. Pharmacists are more highly trained in pharmacology and drugs . Keep an open mind ... ascertain how it works over time."

1429Aries: "How can this be a good idea? Just another cut but we’re expected to think it’s a benefit."