Health chiefs have claimed a new drug dispensing service could free up tens of thousands of GP appointments in the north-east every year.
The initiative will allow patients in the Grampian area to receive antibiotic treatment for one of the most common acute medical conditions without needing to see their doctor.
Pharmacists who have undergone special training will now be allowed to prescribe a drug to women aged between 16 and 65 to combat “uncomplicated urinary tract infections”.
The change makes NHS Grampian the first health board in the country to roll out the service with more than 90 community pharmacies already on board to offer the scheme to patients.
The health service has suggested the service could unlock nearly 25,000 doctor’s appointments every year.
And Dr Alasdair Jamieson, GP lead for Aberdeen City with NHS Grampian, said: “While the condition affects both men and women, it is far more common in women.
“Around half of all women will have a UTI at least once in their lives, usually more frequently as they age. Consequently, many people are acutely aware when they have a UTI and when it requires treatment.”
Dr Jamieson revealed the infection is the reason for around one in 50 female patient consultations covered by GPs.
He said: “It accounts for 1-3% of all GP consultations each year and, for a significant proportion of women, it would be appropriate to be seen and treated by their community pharmacist.
“That has real potential to reduce GP workload, freeing up appointments and allowing greater focus on more complex, urgent medical conditions.”
NHS Grampian’s deputy director of pharmacy and medicine management, Dr Caroline Hind, added: “Community pharmacies play a critical role in helping to improve timely access to assessment and treatment.
“We are delighted with the support we’ve received in introducing this service which should really improve access to effective treatment for patients.”
She said that UTIs in male
And Sheilann Strachan(correct spelling), pharmacist at Boots Garthdee, said: “We are delighted to support this new service which will allow community pharmacists to have access to a more effective treatment option for women presenting with a UTI.”
For more information on participating pharmacies visit: www.nhsgrampian.org/UTI
