Commenting on a warning from the UK Health Security Agency that treating urinary tract infections (UTIs) cost NHS hospitals in England an estimated £604 million in 2023 to 2024, Olivier Picard, Chair of the National Pharmacy Association said:
"It's clear from this research that certain simple changes to behaviour can help prevent UTI's.
"However, if people have noticed the early symptoms of an UTI, which include things such a burning sensation when urinating or needing the toilet more frequently than normal, they can be quickly and safely treated in their local pharmacy without having to visit their GP or A&E under the Pharmacy First scheme.
"This can prevent much more serious health complications from leaving UTI's untreated.
"Our analysis shows at least 6 million hours of time in A&E was taken up last year by patients with issues that could have been treated in a community pharmacy, costing the NHS at least £250 million a year."
