‘ByeByeUTI’ pilot scheme now rolled out across England

Over 30,000 women have been treated for uncomplicated urinary tract infections at local pharmacies since the launch of the pilot scheme in July 2022

Local pharmacists in England can now evaluate and provide treatment for patients with uncomplicated urinary tract infections (UTIs) in women under the age of 65, without the need for a GP appointment.

The ‘ByeByeUTI’ scheme has been expanded across the country, following a successful pilot across North East and North Cumbria.

More than 30,000 women have been treated for uncomplicated urinary tract infections at local pharmacies since the pilot scheme was launched in July 2022 as part of the NHS and government’s primary care access recovery plan, according to NHS England.

The expansion of pharmacy services not only enhances patients' access to care but also frees up tens of thousands of GP appointments at the same time.

Dr Faisel Baig, Medical Director for Primary Care, NHS England North East and Yorkshire, said that the rollout of this service across the whole region will enable many more women to receive “faster and easier” access to advice and treatment.

“The expansion of pharmacy services will not only make it easier and more convenient for people to access care, but also help free up more GP appointments every year, so people can get the care they need more quickly,” he added.

Ewan Maule, Director of Medicines and Pharmacy for NHS North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care Board (ICB) expressed satisfaction that the success of ‘ByeByeUTI’ pilot scheme in their region has led to the expansion of this service nationwide.

“Local pharmacies are at the heart of our communities and this will make it quicker and easier for women to access advice and treatment for a UTI – offering a faster and more convenient way to get the medication they need,” he said.

Under the newly launched Pharmacy First service, patients can visit their local pharmacy to get treatment for sinusitis, sore throat, earache, infected insect bite, impetigo, and shingles – in addition to UTIs – without the need to see a GP.