Help for ineligible patients

With such a comprehensive pathway for the Pharmacy First Uncomplicated UTI service, it is inevitable that some patients will be disappointed to find they are ineligible, but this gives pharmacy teams the chance to help them with self care and OTC advice and product recommendations.

“When counter teams are helping someone with symptoms of uncomplicated UTI who doesn’t qualify for the Pharmacy First service, and they have checked that there are no red flags for onward escalation, then there is still a lot of advice that can help,” says pharmacist Reena Barai, from SG Barai Pharmacy in Sutton.

“For example, people need to stay hydrated, avoid holding their wee, wash daily, wipe front to back, avoid scented products, change incontinence pads frequently, and drink loads of fluids. We also give them the TARGET UTI leaflet which includes advice to watch out for symptoms getting worse as this may mean bacterial infection – and the leaflet also goes through all the do’s and don’ts to avoid UTIs in future.”

Taking paracetamol up to four times a day can help reduce pain and a high temperature. Some people choose to take cystitis sachets or cranberry drinks and products every day to prevent UTIs from happening, which NHS advice says “may help”. However, NHS England says there’s “no evidence they help ease symptoms or treat a UTI if the infection has already started”.