Many local pharmacists across Forth Valley are now able to offer free treatment, including antibiotics, if appropriate, and expert advice for a wide range of health conditions which could avoid the need to visit a GP Practice for an appointment or prescription.

Pharmacy First Plus is an additional enhanced NHS service available in 32 participating local pharmacies across the Forth Valley area. Pharmacists providing the Pharmacy First Plus service are experienced independent prescribers who are able to provide advice and treatment for a wider range of common but more complex clinical conditions than the traditional Pharmacy First service available in all local pharmacies. This includes chest infections, ear infections, sore throats and tonsillitis, sinusitis and many other health conditions that would often require an appointment at a GP practice and an examination by a GP or Advanced Nurse Practitioner.

Jonathan Burton, an independent prescribing pharmacist based at the Right Medicine Pharmacy in Bridge of Allan, said: “Pharmacy First Plus makes it easier for people to get advice and treatment for many common health conditions without needing to visit their GP first. The pharmacists offering this service are trained prescribers with the expertise to treat many health conditions directly in the pharmacy and provide medication like antibiotics, if required.

“They will also always let you know if seeing another health professional, such as your GP, dentist or optometrist, is more appropriate for your condition. I personally really enjoy seeing patients in the pharmacy and being able to help them with a much wider range of conditions. The feedback we get from patients is overwhelmingly positive as we are an accessible and friendly service.”

“Not all local pharmacies provide the Pharmacy First Plus service so it’s therefore a good idea to call ahead to check whether a prescribing pharmacist is available before visiting the pharmacy. It’s also important to remember that antibiotics aren’t appropriate for all infections, but prescribing pharmacists are trained to assess your condition and advise on the most appropriate treatment options to help you to feel better.”

Although pharmacists can offer treatment to help relieve the symptoms of dental pain they are not able to fully treat dental infections. Anyone with a suspected dental infection, such as an abscess, should therefore contact their own dentist first in order to have this properly assessed or, if their symptoms worsen, they can call NHS 24 on 111 for advice.

Pharmacy First Plus supports wider national health aims to treat people closer to home and ease pressure on GP practices and A&E Departments by offering expert care in the community.

If you have a suspected dental infection such as an abscess it is important you speak to your dentist in order to have this properly assessed and treated if necessary as although pharmacists can offer symptom relief they are not able to fully treat dental infections. Contact your own dentist in the first instance and if your symptoms worsen you can call 111 and ask for help with a dental issue.”

To find your nearest participating Pharmacy First Plus location, visit the local services finder or the Pharmacy Services page. It is important to check with the pharmacy first as the availability may vary depending on whether an Independent Prescribing Pharmacist is on duty.