Migraines and acne among five more conditions pharmacists can treat

People will be able to go to their local chemist in England this autumn and get on-the-spot treatment for 12 common conditions without going to their GP first.

Pharmacists can already prescribe medication for seven conditions - sore throat, earache, sinusitis, shingles, impetigo, infected bites and urinary tract infections.

Five more - migraines, acne, scabies, ear infections and badly blocked noses - are now also being added to that list.

NHS England said the move was to ease pressure on busy GPs and A&E departments while making sure people could get treatment quickly and conveniently.

After a very hot summer and three of the busiest months on record in A&Es in England, the NHS says it wants to make it as easy as possible for people to get help when they need it for everyday conditions.

Prime Minister Andy Burnham said people were "fed up with the scramble for routine appointments" and wanted help close to home, with no more taking time off work or waiting to get seen.

"For five more common conditions, you'll be able to walk into your local pharmacy and get treated on the spot," he said.

Mr Burnham said families would feel the change, and the plan would give people back "precious time".