Full list of conditions that pharmacists can treat patients for without GP A chief medic in Birmingham has encouraged Brummies to use the scheme which can be used for seven conditions Brummies have been encouraged to use a service that helps patients bypass the need for a GP (Image: PA ) Brummies have been encouraged to use a service that helps patients bypass the need for a GP appointment in order to relieve pressures of Birmingham's rammed A and E departments. Pharmacists can provide prescription-only medications to help with seven common conditions - preventing patients from clogging their local GP practice or A and E department. ‌ Prof Kiran Patel, chief medical officer at University Hospitals Birmingham Trust, told BirminghamLive that hospitals are busier than ever, encouraging Brummies to make use of the NHS Pharmacy First scheme. Article continues below READ MORE: Birmingham chief medic explains cause of A&E waits as hospitals hit 'busiest' period Get breaking news on BirminghamLive WhatsApp The medic, who is part of a team overseeing daily clinical operations at the biggest hospitals in the West Midlands, said the scheme is aimed at changing patient behaviour so that right and timely treatment can be provided. ‌ Prof Patel, also a consultant cardiologist at University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, said: "There's real pressure with ambulances arriving at A&E. This is the busiest time of the year for us. "People naturally gravitate to where the light bulbs are on but if everyone does that, it makes it very difficult so we try to divert people to other services." Pharmacy First was launched at the start of 2024 and helps community pharmacies care for 7 common conditions. ‌ With pharmacies having private consultation rooms, pharmacists can offer clinical services, often without an appointment. "You could be seen in 20 minutes at the pharmacy for a UTI" explained Prof Patel. The service can help treat a number of conditions including Acute otitis media (ear infection) and infected insect bites. ‌ Professor Kiran Patel, chief medical officer at University Hospitals Birmingham (Image: University Hospitals Birmingham ) He added that the aim is to get patients to re-think where they are going to for help and reduce the chances of people with minor illnesses mixing with seriously unwell patients in hospitals. Prof spoke to BirminghamLive as emergency departments across Birmingham and the West Midlands deal with an exceptionally busy period. ‌ University Hospitals Birmingham is one of the largest NHS trusts in England, caring for more than 2.2 million patients each year. Pharmacists can manage the following 7 conditions: Pharmacy First was launched at the start of 2024 and helps community pharmacies care for 7 common conditions. (Image: NHS ) In January, the UHB Trust declared a critical incident because of 'exceptional demand', revealing more than 300 patients had flu, with 13 in critical care with very serious complications. Article continues below While that critical incident is now over, Prof Patel said staff no longer referred to 'winter pressures' as they were year-round. "Everybody is triaged within 15 minutes - that way we can identify who is really sick" said Prof Patel of Birmingham's A and E departments. "Things like heart attacks or major strokes will get quick treatment which is why waiting times are high for other patients."