Rishi Sunak, the UK Chancellor of the Exchequer, has introduced a plan called Pharmacy First, which allows pharmacists to provide treatment for minor ailments without the need for a GP appointment. Sunak claims that this initiative will alleviate pressure on the NHS and reduce waiting lists. However, there has been criticism from some quarters, with concerns raised about the potential risks and the impact on local pharmacies. Diana Johnson, a Member of Parliament, highlighted the challenges faced by local people in Hull North due to pharmacy closures. Additionally, an NHS cancer pharmacist, Taiwo Owatemi, expressed support for the expanded role of pharmacies in the NHS but also criticized the closure of pharmacies under the Conservative government.
NHS prescriptions changing 'within weeks' as pharmacists get new powers https://t.co/GvagX0g3Gd
👩🏾⚕️ As an NHS cancer pharmacist I have long been arguing that pharmacies should play a greater role in the NHS. 🩺 But @PreetKGilIMP is absolutely right, the roll out of Pharmacy First won't make up for the number of pharmacies closed under the Tories. https://t.co/WYmxyVXev3
💊 Today the Government told me that we are well-served by local pharmacies. 🤔 Sadly, in Hull North pharmacy closures are leaving many local people struggling to get support. 👉 I asked the Government to consider creating a school of pharmacy for Hull ⬇ https://t.co/rhFdrinMX1
The GP really WON'T see you now! Backlash at Rishi Sunak's pharmacy 'revolution' to ease pressure on £118k-a-year doctors as critics warn NHS scheme to send millions of patients to swamped chemists instead is 'risky' https://t.co/Rcyf3tID9w https://t.co/YNvcsePM0S
Rishi Sunak's pharmacy 'revolution' to free up 10million GP appointments per year: Major NHS shake-up gives chemists power to dole out drugs for seven minor ailments https://t.co/WwvaUaTuKp https://t.co/65iD7jp6AR
🗣️ Rishi Sunak: Pharmacy First is good for patients – and good for the NHS https://t.co/g5CMuu3QMC
🔴 Pharmacy ‘revolution’ will cut NHS waiting lists, says Sunak https://t.co/drEIEYRaQ4