35 minutes ago Hugh Pym, Health editor and Tabby Wilson Getty Images Pharmacies in England will be able to prescribe more medications as part of an effort to speed up care and ease pressure on GP surgeries and hospitals. As part of the Pharmacy First scheme, pharmacists can currently prescribe medication for a sore throat, earache, sinusitis, shingles, impetigo, infected bites and urinary tract infections. From the autumn, the new £340m investment will see five common ailments added to this list, although it is not yet clear what these will be. However, National Pharmacy Association (NPA) has said the deal does not do enough to address rising business rates, employer costs and medicine prices. The Pharmacy First scheme in England was first launched in 2024 , and allows patients to see their pharmacist for advice, over-the-counter treatments and prescription-only medicines. People can also visit the pharmacy for eye, ear, oral and dental care, as well as seek treatment for digestive problems.…