Pharmacists to offer prescriptions for these seven conditions without GP sign-off

Rishi Sunak vows to end ‘all-too stressful’ wait, as treatments for earache, sore throat and urinary tract infections will be available

Pharmacists will soon be able to give out prescription medicines and oral contraception to patients without GPs’ sign-off in a bid to ease the pressure on surgeries.

Under a new blueprint announced by Rishi Sunak, treatments for seven common conditions – including earache, sore throat and urinary tract infections – will be available without seeing a doctor.

The prime minister hopes the measures will help end the “all-too stressful wait” for appointments by freeing up 15 million slots at doctors’ surgeries over the next two years.