Pharmacies fight infections

Pharmacies across Forth Valley now offer treatment for common infections

From Tuesday, all 76 pharmacies – including the 34 in the Falkirk area – will be able to offer, if appropriate, free antibiotic treatment without the need for a prescription. On the spot medication will also be available, without prescription, for impetigo – a common skin infection.

The move to make treatments available for these conditions in local pharmacies came after figures for 2014/15 showed that almost 22,000 patients in Forth Valley were prescribed the antibiotic Trimethoprim by a GP for a urine infection.

NHS Forth Valley’s Pharmacy Director Gail Caldwell said: “Offering treatment in pharmacies not only takes pressure off GP services, but also makes it easier for people to get help without having to make an appointment.”