People with sore throats to be encouraged to visit pharmacies, not GPs

NHS England has announced the planned national rollout of a scheme that will see people with sore throats encouraged to take the problem to a pharmacist, rather than their GP.

The Sore Throat Test and Treat service, which has been trialled in 35 Boots pharmacies, is set to be taken nationwide after demonstrating its effectiveness. The test allows pharmacists to determine rapidly if an illness is caused by a virus or a bacterial infection.

Results will be generated by using a throat swab to measure sugars on the tongue, with conclusions provided in five minutes. This will help to determine cases where antibiotic treatment will be appropriate and will allow pharmacists to prescribe them on the spot.

The scheme will be rolled out across the country over the coming year and will help to reduce pressure on overstretched GPs, who spend a considerable amount of time at present dealing with minor conditions.

It will also aid the fight against antibiotic resistance by further limiting the inappropriate prescription of such therapies in cases where they will not help.

Professor Rob Darracott, Pharmacy Voice's chief executive and a Self Care Forum Board member, said: "Pharmacists clearly have a frontline role to play in supporting people with information and empowering them to take responsibility for their own health."

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