From this autumn, Carlton Lane Pharmacy will be able to offer you even more convenient NHS care, without the need for a GP appointment.

NHS England has confirmed that five new clinical pathways are being added to the Pharmacy First service. This means that when you walk into a participating pharmacy, you can be assessed and, where appropriate, treated for a wider range of common conditions.

The Five New Conditions

The new prescribing-only clinical pathways cover:

• Acute otitis externa (outer ear infection) – for adults aged 18 years and over
• Seasonal allergic rhinitis (hay fever) – for children aged 4–11 years
• Mild to moderate acne – for young people
• Migraine (low frequency, episodic) – for adults aged 18–64 years
• Mild skin and soft tissue infections, and scabies

These additions build on the seven conditions Pharmacy First already covers, which include sore throats, UTIs, and sinusitis. Since its launch in February 2024, the service has delivered 14 million consultations across England, including 2 million for sore throats and more than 1.7 million for urinary tract infections .

What This Means for You

The expansion is designed to make accessing care easier. Instead of waiting for a GP appointment, you can walk into your local pharmacy and receive on-the-spot treatment for these common conditions . NHS England estimates that once fully rolled out, the new pathways could account for 2 to 3 million consultations each year .

This also helps ease pressure on GPs and A&E departments, particularly ahead of winter. As Dr Amanda Doyle, National Director for Primary Care at NHS England, explained: “We want to make sure that patients can get as much support as possible in their communities, so they do not have to be admitted to hospital unnecessarily” .

Prime Minister Andy Burnham added: “People are fed up with the scramble for routine appointments. They want help when they need it, close to home” .

What It Means for Us at Carlton Lane Pharmacy

At Carlton Lane Pharmacy, we are committed to providing you with the highest standard of care. Our pharmacists are trained to assess, diagnose, and, where appropriate, prescribe treatment for these conditions.

If you or your family have symptoms of any of the conditions listed above, please speak to us. We will assess you, and if your symptoms fall within the pathway, we can provide the treatment you need. If your symptoms are more complex or fall outside the service, we will advise you on the best next steps, including whether you need to see a GP.

Community Pharmacy England chief executive Janet Morrison has described the expansion as a “strategically important development” that “paves the way for pharmacists to be core community clinicians” .

A Note on Access

Please note that the new prescribing pathways will be delivered by pharmacies that employ an independent prescriber . Carlton Lane Pharmacy is working to ensure our patients can access these services as they become available. We will keep you updated as the rollout progresses.

Your health, closer to home, that is our commitment to you.

Carlton Lane Pharmacy, Caring for our community.