Pharmacy could alleviate pressure on GPs amid survey highlighting fresh access concerns

A pharmacy leader has said that expanding the Pharmacy First programme could help alleviate pressure on ‘stretched GPs’, as a new poll highlighted continued public concern over GP access.

Superintendent pharmacist at Pharmacy2U, Phil Day, said that many common conditions can be diagnosed and treated in pharmacies instead of GP surgeries, which would help patients access care more quickly.

He added: ‘The success of Pharmacy First has shown that many common conditions can be diagnosed and treated in pharmacies instead of GPs, and there’s a strong case for expanding the scheme further.

‘Not only would it alleviate pressure on stretched GPs, and ultimately the NHS, but it would help more people access medical help quicker, especially when delivered digitally.’

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His comments come as polling from The Health Foundation and Ipsos found that nearly half (48%) of people delayed or avoided contacting their GP about a health concern in the previous 12 months.

The majority of those who avoided contacting their GP cited access challenges as the reason for this: 30% did not expect to be offered a suitable appointment, 17% thought it would be too difficult to contact the practice, and 14% worried their request would not be taken seriously.

A quarter of people (27%) decided to manage the issue themselves or wait for it to go away.

Mr Day added: ‘There are many reasons why people put off going to their GP, but a perceived lack of accessibility is one of the most frustrating to hear as a clinician, because we have the technology today to give people immediate peace of mind that their health concerns have been acknowledged and appropriately triaged.’

The poll also found that two thirds of people (66%) supported being seen by a healthcare professional other than a GP, such as a pharmacist or practice nurse where appropriate.

The survey was sent out to 4,331 people in December 2025, with 2,214 (51%) completing it.

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Dr Leyla Hannbeck, chief executive of the Independent Pharmacies Association (IPA) said: ‘This report confirms what we have known for a long time: that community pharmacies are a trusted and accessible healthcare provider where many people feel comfortable seeking advice and support.’

She said pharmacies could play a ‘crucial role’ in improving access at a time when many people are delaying or avoiding contacting their GP, but only with adequate funding.

‘It is reassuring that most people are supportive of seeing a pharmacist instead of a GP where appropriate. Expanding the scope of Pharmacy First, which the IPA has long supported, would allow pharmacists to do even more for patients,’ she added.

Professor Claire Anderson, president of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS), said the findings highlighted the importance of strengthening access across primary care.

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'Pharmacists working in community pharmacies and GP practices provide clinical advice, treatment for common conditions and expert support with medicines as part of the wider primary care team,' she added.

'An integrated approach where patients are supported by the right professional at the right time is key to improving timely access to care.'