NHS expands Pharmacy First to 12 conditions as record summer A&E pressures mount

The NHS has expanded its Pharmacy First scheme to cover 12 conditions — up from the original 7 — allowing pharmacists to assess, advise, and prescribe medication without patients needing to see a GP first.

Plain English

Think of it as a fast lane at your local chemist. Instead of waiting weeks for a GP appointment or sitting in A&E for hours, you can now walk into a participating pharmacy and get treated on the spot for things like migraines, ear infections, and hay...