PHARMACISTS have started to fast-track patients with cancer symptoms for checks under a radical tests shake-up.
Several chemists in England have begun offering the service, which was created to speed up efforts to catch tumours early when survival chances are the highest.
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The pilot scheme has given pharmacists in several parts of the country the power to send anyone with ‘red flag’ symptoms, such as a persistent cough, directly for hospital tests.
At the moment, most patients must wait to see their GP before they can get cancer checks.
The disease-spotting system, which was first announced in 2022, was originally planned to start in June 2023 but has faced a series of delays.
Now, at least 12 pharmacies dotted across parts of the East of England and the South West have launched the potentially lifesaving service.
Tony Dean, chief executive of Community Pharmacy Norfolk, where the East of England pilot is taking place, told the Pharmaceutical Journal: “Twelve pharmacies are now, very recently, signed up and live, and the first referral to a rapid diagnostic services has been made.”
The first referral has also been made in a pharmacy in the South West, the healthcare publication reported.
The pilot scheme will be trialled in hundreds more high street pharmacies later this year and rolled out nationally if successful.
When first announcing the service in 2022, NHS boss Amanda Pritchard, said “These plans have the power to truly transform the way we find and treat cancer.”
Michelle Mitchell, of Cancer Research UK, said: “By changing the way people engage with the health service, we have the potential to help diagnose more cancers at an earlier, more treatable stage.”
It comes as pharmacies in England have been given separate powers to treat seven new conditions without the need for a GP appointment.
The plans will free up 10million GP appointments a year, according to the NHS.
People with sinusitis, sore throat, earache, infected insect bite, impetigo, shingles and some urinary tract infections will be able to walk into their pharmacy for care.
The Pharmacy First scheme was first announced in May 2023, with the contraceptive pill being made available to women without prescriptions at pharmacies in December.
Pharmacists can now provide consultations, where they ask questions and perform examinations, but do not run diagnostic tests.
The 11 conditions your pharmacists can treat instead if your GP
If you’re gearing up for a weeks-long wait to get your condition seen to by a doctor, you might be in luck.
If you have one of 11 minor conditions, you can pop into your local pharmacy instead.
Like doctors, pharmacists have extensive training in medicine use and can provide clinical advice as well as point you to the appropriate over-the-counter treatment for minor illnesses and injuries.
1. Cold and flu symptoms
If you’re experiencing fits of coughing, congestion, a sore throat, a runny nose or fever, you can get these seen by a pharmacist.
They’ll be able to advise you on what treatments to take and how to best alleviate your symptoms.
2. Allergies
Allergy symptoms can be pretty bothersome, but thankfully you can get them seen promptly by a pharmacist.
You can also visit a pharmacy if you’re experiencing a minor allergic reaction.
3. Aches and pains
You can get minor aches and pains – such as a headache, muscle aches and joint pain – checked out by a pharmacist.
4. Digestive issues
Indigestion can cause you to feel pain or discomfort in your upper abdomen, while a burning pain behind your breastbone could be heartburn.
You probably have diarrhoea if you’ve had more than three loose, watery poos in a row.
Meanwhile, if you’re straining over the loo, you might be suffering from constipation.
You can speak to a pharmacist about all four of these uncomfortable digestive conditions rather than waiting to see a GP.
5. Skin conditions
It can sometimes be hard to gauge how best to treat skin rashes or itchy bug bites.
A pharmacist can advise you about the best course of action for minor rashes, insect bites as well as sunburn.
6. Minor Infections
Your chemist can also help you with some minor infections, such as urinary tract infections.
You can also seek advice for minor skin infections.
7. Eye Conditions
See your pharmacists if you have red or irritated eyes or a minor eye infection.
But you should see a GP if your baby has red eyes, you wear contact lenses and have an eye infection, or your symptoms haven’t cleared up after two weeks.
8. Ear trouble
Having pain in your ear is something most of us assume we need to see a doctor about.
But a pharmacist can see to your earache, as well as any wax buildup.
9. Minor Injuries
You might already seek the help of your chemist for minor cuts, scrapes and bruises.
But you can also consult them about minor sprains and strains.
10. Oral health
You might think anything to do with your mouth is a dentist’s department.
But pharmacists can also give you advice on how to care for mouth ulcers, cold sores and gingivitis, a common form of gum disease.
It can cause your gums to become red, sore or bleed.
11. Health checks
You can also get a few tests at your local chemist, instead of waiting weeks for a GP appointment.
Get your blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar levels assessed at your pharmac