Doctors’ Association UK (DAUK) has raised concerns about the Government’s decision to expand Pharmacy First.
DAUK’s GP committee warned that moving more care away from general practice risks undermining the role of GPs in diagnosing patients safely and effectively.
The Government today announced that people will be able to receive treatment for acne, migraines, scabies, ear infection and rhinitis from participating pharmacies.
However, Dr Steve Taylor, DAUK’s GP co-lead, said the focus should be on properly funding general practice and community pharmacy to ensure patients can access the right advice and treatment when they need it.
Important role
Dr Taylor said pharmacists played an important role in healthcare, particularly in the management of medicines and minor illnesses, but warned against assuming conditions presenting as ‘minor’ were necessarily straightforward.
He said: “Although minor illnesses can be treated and diagnosed in pharmacies, we remain concerned at moving more care to pharmacists.
“Pharmacists are experts in medicines and play a hugely important role in the NHS, but don’t necessarily have the diagnostic skills or expertise.
“While not critical of the majority of pharmacists, we are critical of the push from Government and NHS England.
GP care
“GP care should still be the first option for patients, but the erosion of GP practice finances over the past decade has meant problems of access for all, with some GPs under or unemployed.
“GPs have years of diagnostic training and experience at dealing with the hidden complexities of patients presenting even with ‘simple’ or ‘minor’ illnesses.
“It is not necessarily simple until after a consultation.
“Safe patient care is vital, as is timely treatment.”
Training
Dr Taylor said the fact pharmacists do not have to demonstrate training for Pharmacy First was another area of concern.
He said: “Pharmacists should not be placed in positions where they are required or asked to provide care beyond their training, expertise and experience.
“Most pharmacists recognise this, the need for GPs and the collaborative approach to patient care.
“The Government must fund pharmacies and GP practices to genuinely improve access while not compromising safe care.”
Tickets are now available for DAUK’s joint conference with Doctors For The NHS (DFNHS) on Saturday 10 October at Bedern Hall in York.
In-person attendance is £50 per delegate limited to 50 places. Book your place now.
The conference will also be streamed live to enable colleagues to participate remotely. Online attendance is £25 and places are available to book now.