More GP practices could get on-site pharmacists after trials were hailed a success.

In the last six months, surgeries including William Fisher, Tillingham and Maylandsea Medical Centres have had pharmacists available to advise GPs on prescriptions and answer patients questions on medication.

The Royal College of General Practioners and the Royal Pharmaceutical Society have now announced plans to roll out the scheme nationally.

Practice manager Debbie Morley, of the William Fisher Medical Centre, High Street, Southminster, said having the pharmacist available gives doctors more time to see patients.