A Southampton woman was able to receive treatment for an infected insect bite at her local pharmacy thanks to a new scheme.

Viv O’Connor noticed her bite had become red and inflamed, so visited her the pharmacy in Lordshill for advice.

The pharmacist confirmed the bite was infected and, under the new Pharmacy First scheme, was able to prescribe antibiotics.

Viv said: "The bite had become very painful and swollen and I knew I needed to get it looked at.

"I had heard about the Pharmacy First scheme and knew that it covered infected insect bites, so I went to my local pharmacy at 9am on the Monday morning and was seen by the pharmacist straight away.

"She went through all the details with me and examined the bite and agreed it was infected and wasn’t going to get better on its own.

"She was able to prescribe me antibiotics and was able to start my treatment by 10am that same morning which was such a quick and efficient service.

"Thankfully the bite did start to improve over the next few days and I’m glad it didn’t become anything more serious."

Wahida Warshow, pharmacist at Lordshill Pharmacy, who treated Viv, said: "Viv came in with what looked like an infected insect bite, and I was able to go through the Pharmacy First guidelines and see what the most appropriate treatment for her would be, which in this case was antibiotics.

"This is great for patients as it means they can potentially get seen and treated in a local pharmacy without the need to make an appointment with a GP practice.

"It also frees up GP practice appointments so surgeries can focus on managing patients with more complex health needs."

The Pharmacy First scheme, launched on January 31, allows community pharmacists to advise on how to manage a condition and supply prescription-only medicines, including antibiotics and antivirals where clinically appropriate.

They can also advise if a GP, nurse or other healthcare professional is needed for more serious conditions.

The scheme has been used by more than 100,000 people across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight since December 2023, freeing up many GP appointments.