Millions of women will be able to get free contraceptive pills in shops without seeing a GP under new NHS plans.
Women in England will be able to get an initial prescription for the pill from their local pharmacy from next month.
The move gives women greater choice over where they can get the pill and represents a package of measures aimed at freeing up 10 million GP appointments by next winter.
If women choose the combined estrogen-progestogen pill, their blood pressure and weight will be checked by a pharmacist.
No check is required for the progestin-only mini-pill, which is also the case in other situations, NHS England said.
Women in England will be able to get an initial prescription for the pill from their local pharmacy from next month. The move gives women greater choice over where they can get the pill and represents a package of measures aimed at freeing up 10 million GP appointments by next winter. If women decide to take the combined estrogen-progestogen pill, their blood pressure and weight will be checked by a pharmacist
Pharmacies will need to register for the new service, which means it will not be immediately available everywhere in England.
As more pharmacies join the scheme, the NHS website will be updated so women can check which places offer this service.
Women who are overweight or have high blood pressure and are therefore at greater risk of blood clots when taking the combination pill may be referred to their GP for further investigation.
Money was also made available to enable more pharmacies to offer repeat prescriptions for all types of pills.
The continuous blood pressure and weight checks that women need when taking the pill will also be available in pharmacies.
Read more: Death of the local pharmacy: Number of community pharmacies falls to record low. How bad is the situation in YOUR region? Use our interactive map to find out…
NHS England expects almost half a million women will be able to take the pill next year without contacting their GP, and this number is expected to rise.
The prescription figures for 2022/2023 show there were almost 3 million prescriptions for the combination pill and more than 4 million prescriptions for the minipill.
About one in four women between the ages of 15 and 49 take the combination pill or the progesterone-only pill.
Amanda Pritchard, chief executive of NHS England, said: “This is really good news for women.”
“We all lead increasingly busy lives and this campaign means that instead of making an appointment with their GP, they can simply go to their local pharmacy if they need or want contraceptives.”
“We will also expand services to make more health checks available to patients on the high street, which is not only better and more convenient for patients, but also frees up NHS time for more GP appointments for those who need them most.”
As part of wider plans, pharmacists will offer more blood pressure checks to at-risk patients, committing to provide 2.5 million a year by spring 2025.
NHS England estimates it could prevent more than 1,350 heart attacks and strokes in the first year.
And from the beginning of next year, patients will also be able to receive treatment for seven common diseases directly at the pharmacy, without the need for an appointment with a GP or a prescription.
The new service focuses on sinusitis, sore throat, earache, infected insect bites, impetigo, shingles and uncomplicated urinary tract infections in women.
New Health Secretary Victoria Atkins said: “It is a pleasure to start my time as Secretary of State with such a positive example of how the Government, the NHS and the pharmaceutical sector are working together to reach an agreement to improve services and save lives. achieve.”
“For the public, these changes mean more options for women to choose their preferred contraceptive method, reduce the risk of a heart attack or stroke, and improve access to medications for common medical conditions.”
“And for healthcare professionals, it will eliminate visits to doctors and make better use of the skills and expertise of local pharmacies.”
As part of the measures unveiled in May, the government announced that a joint pharmacy complaints management program would be introduced in England before the end of 2023. This service allows patients to receive a prescription from their pharmacist for seven minor ailments, including earaches and urinary tract disorders. Infections without even going to the doctor. The plans also include an expansion of contraceptive and blood pressure monitoring services, both of which were announced today
Janet Morrison, chief executive of Community Pharmacy England, said: “It makes perfect sense to use community pharmacies as a first port of call for health advice, access to contraception and health checks such as blood pressure tests.”
“Local pharmacies have highly trained healthcare professionals and empowering them to do more is a logical next step for primary care.
“These new services will help patients and the public and reduce pressure on GPs and the wider NHS.”
William Pett, head of policy, public affairs and research at Healthwatch England, said: “Women across England will welcome the convenience of getting the birth control pill from a local pharmacy.”
“The ability to see your GP on time remains the public’s biggest concern.”
“If effectively communicated and implemented, this initiative will make a real difference to patients and reduce pressure on strained services.”
“There could be potential issues such as pharmacists not being able to see enough of people’s GP details or different communities and areas not being able to access the new service.”
“However, if properly evaluated, the NHS can ensure that this promising new service really works for patients.”
Source link
Crystal Leahy is an author and health journalist who writes for The Fashion Vibes. With a background in health and wellness, Crystal has a passion for helping people live their best lives through healthy habits and lifestyles.
