Somerset pharmacists to treat minor medical conditions under new scheme
It's designed to free up GP's to treat more serious cases.
If you ring up your GP with a rash or an ankle sprain - you might then be sent for an appointment with a pharmacist instead.
This Community Pharmacy Consultation Service (CPCS) has been launched across Somerset in a bid to free up GPs so they can deal with more serious issues.
Pharmacists have full training to treat minor conditions and will then pass the consultation notes onto your doctor.
These minor conditions could include:
• Ankle, foot, knee, leg or arm strains and aches
• Bites or stings
• Coughs and colds
• Eye and ear infections
• Hay fever
• Headaches
• Mouth ulcers and blisters
• Rashes
• Skin conditions
• Sore throat
• Urinary Tract Infections (UTI’s)
According to the organisers of the scheme, patients using the service are already freeing up approximately 1000 GP appointments every month in Somerset for patients with more complex conditions.
Dr Jeremy Imms, Associate Clinical Director, Somerset Clinical Commissioning Group, said: “The Somerset Community Pharmacy Consultation Service will be of huge benefit to many of our patients as lots of minor conditions are more appropriate for a consultation with a community pharmacist, rather than a GP.
“This will improve access for patients with minor illnesses and will also help us to free up GP appointments for people with more complex health needs; helping ensure everyone gets treated at the right time, by the right healthcare professional.
“At this time of year people are beginning to experience seasonal conditions, such as hay fever, insect bites and rashes, and more sporting and other minor injuries from just being outdoors more. Our community pharmacists are highly experienced in diagnosing and treating common complaints, and patients will now the ability to choose to have their consultation with a pharmacy close to home at a convenient time.”