Minor Illness and Pharmacy Services

We would like to encourage patients to attend a local pharmacy regarding minor illnesses and medications that can be bought over the counter in the first instance for several reasons:

  • It frees up clinician time to see patients who have more severe problems and this helps with keeping patient continuity
  • You can visit a pharmacy close to where you are, e.g. near to work, without needing to book an appointment (for the below conditions you will need to attend a face to face appointment at the surgery)
  • Products are likely to be cheaper than the £9.90 prescription charge. 
  • Under the Pharmacy First scheme, a pharmacist can prescribe antibotics/antivirals for certain conditions after a consultation.

The NHS recommends that the below conditions are best managed by a pharmacist in the first instance - please click on each of the below conditions for more information (the NHS website gives information on when it is more approapite to call the GP or 111 instead of attending a pharmacy)

Further information on minor illnesses/over the counter treatments and the Pharmacy First service can be viewed on the below links:

https://www.england.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/1a-over-the-counter-leaflet-v1.pdf

https://healthmedia.blog.gov.uk/2024/02/01/pharmacy-first-what-you-need-to-know/

 

Cold Sore
eye

Conjunctivitis

The NHS website gives advice on when to seek advice for conjunctivitis for all ages.

The Urgent Eyecare Service can see patients of all ages (including babies). If the patient is 2 years or older, the minor eye service will redirect to self-care at a pharmacy if the sticky, red eye has been present for less than 5 days. The Urgent Eyecare Service may contact the GP service for a prescription of antibiotic drops/ointment (if indicated), for a child under 2 years. 

Cough and Cold