Research has shown that GPs can spend up to 40% of their working day dealing
with minor ailments. Whilst this may be entirely appropriate for some patients, for the majority it is an inconvenient and inefficient way of getting help for these conditions.
Pharmacies are well placed within communities and are essentially an ‘open door’ to the Health Service offering free independent health advice without the need for an appointment. One of the services that community pharmacists are trained to provide is the treatment of minor ailments. When a patient presents at a pharmacy with symptoms of a minor ailment, the pharmacist establishes if the symptoms are indeed minor in which case the pharmacist can offer advice and, if necessary, recommend appropriate treatment. If the symptoms are of a more serious nature, the pharmacist will refer the patient to another healthcare professional.
The service was introduced to Northern Ireland in 2005, and referral into the service includes referral from GP practices, the community pharmacist or self-referral by the patient. Using this service the pharmacist can supply advice or advice and medicines for treatment of certain ailments, to suitable patients. Patients are not charged for this service.
Provision of a Pharmacy First Service through community pharmacies:
- Encourages patients to self-treat minor ailments
- Supports the use of pharmacy as a first point of call for health advice allowing pharmacists to make more use of their clinical skills
- Improves patient access to treatment without the need to contact their GP practice
- Provides an alternative to a GP consultation for minor ailments, allowing GPs more time for patients with more complex medical needs
- Benefits other parts of the healthcare service particularly Emergency departments and Out-Of-Hours medical services (OOHs)
Minor Ailments Service
Your local community pharmacy can offer the minor ailments scheme, here you can get advice and treatment free of charge. Ailments included are:
