Rishi Sunak wants bigger role for pharmacists to cut GP waiting times
Patients will avoid the wait to see a GP by getting more health services directly from pharmacists
Patients will avoid the wait to see a GP by getting more health services directly from pharmacists, under plans announced by Rishi Sunak on Saturday night.
The Conservative leader, who grew up working in his mother’s pharmacy, wants pharmacists to cut pressure on GPs and hospitals by playing a bigger role.
But he is also pledging to build new GP surgeries, providing an additional five million appointments each year.
He said: “The NHS is one of our most important national assets and the Conservatives are taking the long-term decisions to secure its future.
“As part of our clear plan we are investing in community services making it quicker, easier and more convenient for patients to receive the care they need and help to relieve pressure on hospital services.”
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Official figures last week revealed more than three million patients had to wait at least three weeks to see their GP, but Mr Sunak argues that making more use of pharmacists will eventually free up 20 million GP appointments.
Pharmacists will offer women more contraceptive options and provide supporting for women going through the menopause. They will also be authorised to provide treatment for more conditions such as acne and chest infections without the need to see a GP.
Other elements of his plan include building 100 new GP surgeries, mainly in areas experiencing new housing growth, and modernising 150 existing GP premises. In addition, a future Conservative government would build 50 new Community Diagnostic Centres delivering a further 2.5 million checks and tests a year.
Health Secretary Victoria Atkins said: “I know just how important it is for people to have access to health services and treatment close to home.
“Our clear plan will continue to enable our brilliant pharmacists, GPs and Community Diagnostic Centres to do what they do best: serving their local community and boosting capacity in our NHS. We will make the NHS faster, simpler and fairer for all.”
Mr Sunak’s mother Usha ran a pharmacy in Southampton while father Yashvir was a GP.
