Pharmacists prescribing for minor ailments 'would help solve A&E backlog'

Pharmacists believe that they should be allowed to prescribe for a range of minor issues including urinary tract infections (UTIs), dermatitis, conjunctivitis, shingles and even pain management. File photo

Pharmacists have accused the Government of letting patients suffer on trolleys by failing to allow them prescribe for minor ailments such as conjunctivitis and urinary tract infections.

Expanding the services that local pharmacies can provide would cut down on around one million GP visits each year, which in turn would give doctors extra capacity to care for those with more severe needs and would prevent patients from attending Emergency Departments.