Welsh Common Ailments Service expands to include UTIs
Almost all community pharmacies in Wales will be able to assess and treat urinary tract infections (UTIs) without the need for a GP appointment from this month, following the latest expansion of the Common Ailments Service.
According to the Welsh Government, 99% of community pharmacies will be offering the UTI service through the NHS scheme, available to women aged 16 to 64 with an uncomplicated UTI.
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The expansion follows the national rollout of the sore throat test and treat service in June, and means pharmacists can now support patients with a total of 28 common conditions as part of the service.
Welsh pharmacies delivered nearly half a million Common Ailments Service consultations in the past year, according to the Welsh Government.
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Health secretary Jeremy Miles commended community pharmacies for playing ‘a vital role’ in providing healthcare across Wales.
‘I’m delighted the Common Ailments Service, which is available in so many pharmacies across Wales, now includes the management of UTIs alongside our proven sore throat service,’ he said.
‘This is a result of close collaboration between the Welsh Government, Community Pharmacy Wales, and NHS Wales.
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‘Expanding access to these services means even more people in Wales can access the right care, in the right place, at the right time,’ Mr Miles added.
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