Shrewsbury MP praises Pharmacy First scheme during pharmacy visit

Shrewsbury MP Julia Buckley has praised a scheme allowing patients to receive free, same-day advice and treatment from their local pharmacy.

Mrs Buckley visited Lunts Pharmacy at The Tannery in Shrewsbury to receive her flu vaccination and meet staff to hear about the challenges facing the pharmacy sector and the services they provide to local communities.

She said pharmacies were often the first port of call for people feeling unwell and highlighted the Pharmacy First scheme, which allows pharmacists to offer advice and treatment for eligible patients with a range of common conditions.

These include shingles, urinary tract infections (UTIs), earache and impetigo, with patients able to access a free, same-day private consultation.

Mrs Buckley said: “It was very informative to hear about the challenges facing the pharmacy industry at present, but also the fantastic commitment they have to serving their local neighbourhoods.

“This helps ease pressure on GP appointments while getting people the help they need more quickly from the experts on their high streets. This scheme is definitely a real tonic!”

She added that all 77 pharmacies in Shropshire were part of the Pharmacy First programme, giving patients access to treatment and support closer to home.

Mrs Buckley also encouraged people to make use of their local pharmacy when feeling unwell and to get their flu vaccination this winter.