Pharmacists are calling on the Government to allow them prescribe medications to patients without seeing a GP. Yesterday, the British Prime Minister announced patients in the UK will be able to get prescription medicines and oral contraception without seeing a doctor first.
Pharmacies there can dispense medication for common conditions like earache, sore throat and urinary tract infections to try free up appointments in GP surgeries. Dublin-based Pharmacist Sheena Mitchell says it's high-time this happened here.
"I'm actually distraught at the thought of facing another winter like we had last year. This is why I think these conversations are really important now. The Government is about to go on its summer brake and I am distraught at the thought that they have done nothing since last winter. Prompt action is needed," she added.
