More residents across mid and south Essex are taking advantage of quick access to health advice and treatment at their local pharmacy, with the Pharmacy First service delivering over 125,000 patient consultations since it launched last year.
193 pharmacies across mid and south Essex have offered expert advice to help manage a range of illnesses, meaning thousands of local people have benefitted from fast access to treatment without needing to see a GP.
Since January 2024, patients have been able to get advice, treatment and prescription medicines from their local pharmacy for seven common conditions, including sinusitis, sore throat, earache, infected insect bite, impetigo, shingles, and uncomplicated urinary tract infections in women.
In the same period, pharmacies in mid and south Essex have also delivered almost 36,000 consultations for minor illness referrals.
The initiative supports local and national ambitions to improve people’s access to primary care services and bring more care closer to people’s homes.
Between February 2024 and March 2025, pharmacies in mid and south Essex supported patients most with these top three conditions:
acute sore throats (4,408)
uncomplicated urinary tract infections (UTIs) (2,117)
acute otitis media (middle ear infections) (1,735)
Dr Anna Davey, local GP and board member at NHS Mid and South Essex said: “Pharmacy First is helping people get more convenient access to clinical services without needing to see a GP. Pharmacists are registered health professionals who are highly qualified to provide trusted guidance on medicine and minor health concerns and importantly to recognise and refer you on when something might be a bit more serious. They play a crucial role in helping patients get expert health advice and quicker access to care in the community.”
Hema Patel, a Pharmacist in Benfleet, said: “For less serious health problems, a pharmacy can often help much more quickly and save you a trip to the doctor. Pharmacists can now offer support and treatment for a range of conditions, including the supply of the oral contraceptive pill, without the need for a GP appointment. GPs and other services like NHS 111 may also refer you to pharmacists, who are trained to provide advice and treatment for certain minor illnesses. All pharmacies have private consultation rooms, and many have longer opening hours – including evenings and weekends – so you can get expert advice and treatment at a time that suits you.”
Stephen from Essex regularly uses his local pharmacy. He has used the pharmacy for many healthcare services, including advice on medication, getting vaccinations, and asking for advice on minor health problems. Stephen said: “The support received has been great. Their services include checking prescribed medications…[and] they can also suggest other medications that are suitable. There is almost no waiting. The pharmacy is close to hand, and well qualified to support and advise.”
