The NHS 'Pharmacy First' scheme now allows patients to get treatment directly from their local pharmacy for seven common conditions.

With treatment for minor common illnesses such as sinusitis, impetigo, shingles, sore throats, earaches, insect bites and urinary tract infections now available at the pharmacy, the scheme is expected to free up 10 million GP appointments annually by the next winter.

No longer needing a GP appointment or a prescription, these conditions can be treated using traditionally prescription-only medicines, such as antibiotics and antivirals.

MP Guy Opperman has praised pharmacies across Tynedale and Ponteland for their involvement in the scheme.

He said: "We have all experienced the 8am rush to get an appointment with the GP. It can be infuriating to be stuck in a queue, or to be given an inconvenient time slot, just to access simple antibiotics to cure a common sore throat or an ear infection.

"The Government has pumped in £645 million of funding to support Pharmacy First, and now, more people can access world-class healthcare faster and in a much more simpler way. I am delighted that every single pharmacy in our local community has decided to take advantage of this scheme.

"This winter, I would encourage anyone experiencing a common illness to pop down to their local pharmacy and get treated much more quickly and in a far simpler and streamlined way."