A Powys pharmacy leading the way in Wales by independently prescribing medicines to help ease pressures on the NHS could see its pioneering scheme further supported by the Welsh Government.

Llanidloes Pharmacy was the first in Wales to assess and treat patients without needing to see a doctor after launching the independent prescription model almost 10 years ago.

Pharmacy owner and medicine expert Dylan Jones said becoming an independent prescriber had transformed his business after seeing an opportunity to support primary care by removing pressure on local surgeries in dealing with certain health issues.

He said: “Since starting the service in 2016, we’ve been fortunate enough to aid hundreds of residents from the local community – helping reduce the burden on the NHS and providing accessible services on the high street.”

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As an independent prescriber, Dylan is able to provide services and support for a range of health conditions and acute illnesses including skin infections, ENT infections, chest infections, UTIs, rashes and sore throats.

Since April 2022, this service is all done free on the NHS in Wales.

Plaid Cymru Senedd member for Mid and West Wales Cefin Campbell recently called by Llanidloes Pharmacy to learn more about its pioneering scheme and valued work supporting the town and surrounding area.

Following his visit, Cefin Campbell MS said: “From the visit alone, it’s clear the service was incredibly popular and valued by residents in the town and surrounding area.

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“At a time when our GPs and local hospitals are facing so much pressure – particularly in rural mid and west Wales – I have no doubts that the independent prescribing model could be a real step forward both in tackling health concerns and improving access for residents and will encouraging the Welsh Government to support such model further."

Pharmacists in Wales must complete a prescribing court offered by universities to be able to prescribe. Newly registered pharmacists will be independent prescribers from August 2026.

As of last month, thousands of pharmacists across England are now able to assess and treat patients for seven common conditions without needing to see a doctor under a shake-up of pharmacy services as part of the Pharmacy First scheme in a move to free up 10 million GP appointments a year.