Francesca Rudkin: The next step in expanding the role of pharmacists

Early Edition with Ryan Bridge · Jun 1, 2026 · 3m · transcript

So, some good news this morning. If in the weekend you noticed the kids have developed conjunctivitis, or you had an unexpectedly good time over the weekend and now need the emergency pill or help with a UTI.

Today is the day that changes to the services which pharmacists can provide kicks in, meaning pharmacists will be able to provide funded medicines for pain and fever management for children, oral rehydration, and treatment for conditions such as scabies, head lice, and conjunctivitis, as well as treatment for uncomplicated urinary tract infections and emergency contraception.

This is a…