Pharmacists across the North East and Yorkshire are now able to assess and treat patients for uncomplicated urinary tract infections (UTIs) in women under the age of 65, without the need for a GP appointment, following a successful pilot across the North East and North Cumbria.

As part of a major expansion of pharmacy services, the newly launched Pharmacy First service allows patients to get treatment for seven common conditions such as sinusitis, sore throat, earache, infected insect bite, impetigo, and shingles – in addition to UTIs – without the need to see a GP.

The rollout builds on the successful ‘ByeByeUTI’ pilot scheme across North East and North Cumbria which saw thousands of women receive faster and easier access to advice and treatment for urinary tract infections.

Since the pilot scheme began in July 2022, over 30,000 women have been treated for uncomplicated urinary tract infections at local pharmacies, giving more choice in where and how they access care whilst also freeing up tens of thousands of GP appointments at the same time.

The scheme is part of the NHS and government’s primary care access recovery plan, which committed to making accessing healthcare easier for millions of people.

Dr Faisel Baig, Medical Director for Primary Care, NHS England North East and Yorkshire said: “Thanks to the huge success of the ‘ByeByeUTI’ campaign in the North East and North Cumbria, the rollout of this service across the whole region means that many more women will receive faster and easier access to advice and treatment going forward.

“The expansion of pharmacy services will not only make it easier and more convenient for people to access care, but also help free up more GP appointments every year, so people can get the care they need more quickly.”

Ewan Maule, Director of Medicines and Pharmacy for NHS North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care Board (ICB) said: “I am delighted that the success of our region’s ‘ByeByeUTI’ pilot scheme has now seen the service rolled out across the rest of the country.

“Local pharmacies are at the heart of our communities and this will make it quicker and easier for women to access advice and treatment for a UTI – offering a faster and more convenient way to get the medication they need.”

People can find their local NHS pharmacy at: https://www.nhs.uk/service-search/pharmacy/find-a-pharmacy.