Your local pharmacist

We are participating in this pilot with the aim of improving patient awareness of the highly skilled community pharmacists that can assist them with minor ailment self-care and to improve access to GP appointments for patients with more complex health issues.

Patients are seen in a private consulting room and asked about their medical history and symptoms and current medication in the same way they are asked by a GP. Where the pharmacist can provide you with self-care remedies they will do this and they will send details of your consultation back to the GP for continuity of your care. Where they feel you need to be seen by a GP urgently they will call the practice and we will ensure you are seen. You may also be referred back to your GP to arrange a non-urgent appointment or follow up.

Minor ailments that require over the counter medication are usually inexpensive and the local Clinical Commissioning Group is already cutting back on what GPs can prescribe. We are therefore promoting paying for low cost prescriptions in the same way you may pay for other incidentals e.g. a coffee or a magazine.

The role of the GP practice is to offer our patients an appointment with the most appropriate qualified health care professional based on the symptoms presented. If a patient presents with symptoms that can be treated the same day in an appointment with a qualified professional pharmacist and refuses this appointment, the patient will be offered a routine appointment on a future date – not on the same day as this has already been offered.

Children aged over 2 years are eligible for this service and should be seen by the pharmacist accompanied by a parent/carer for the listed symptoms. Children who are competent in decision making about their health may be seen unaccompanied.

The community pharmacies are local, open longer hours than the GP practice and can offer you the same consultation outcome at a time that is more convenient for you with the confidence that if you need to be seen by a GP you will get an urgent appointment. This will make it easier for those with more complex illnesses to see their GP when they need to.

You may be surprised that you have not been given a prescription for an antibiotic when you have been told “you have an infection”. This is because many infections are caused by viruses. Antibiotics kill bacteria but have no effect on viruses. Viruses cause most infections of the nose, throat, ears and chest. Stomach upsets (diarrhoea and vomiting) as well as the flu are also viral infections. Our own immune system gets rid of these infections, antibiotics have no effect. There are also good reasons to not use antibiotics when they are not needed; antibiotics may cause side effects such as diarrhoea, rashes, feeling sick, etc. These may develop on top of any other symptoms from the virus infection. In the past, overuse of antibiotics when they have not been necessary has led to some bacteria becoming resistant to treatment. This means that they are not as effective when they are really needed. Antibiotics do not speed up recovery of most nose, throat, ear, chest, stomach and flu illnesses.

Viruses can go on for several days and make you feel unwell. We can’t give anything to get rid of the infection but you can use things to ease the symptoms such as paracetamol or aspirin to ease any aches, pains, headaches and reduce fever. Aspirin must not be given to children under 12. Paracetamol liquid such as Calpol and Disprol are best for children. Also having a lot to drink prevents mild dehydration. This may develop if there is a fever and can cause a headache and feeling of tiredness (common with virus infections) much worse. Do not wrap up but try to cool down if you have a fever. This is particularly important in young children. Take the clothes off young children if they have a fever and give paracetamol (Calpol). It is quite safe and a good idea for children to get some fresh air. Do not over wrap them when you take them out, just put on their normal outside clothing. You can also use the technique of ‘tepid sponging’- placing the child in a bath of luke warm (NOT COLD) water to help bring the temperature down. Your pharmacist is also always a good source of advice.

Most virus infections clear without complications. Occasionally a virus infection may develop into a more serious condition. It is best to see a doctor to review the situation if the illness appears to change, becomes worse or if you are worried about any new symptoms.

Is it the family doctor I need?

For some very serious conditions such as severe bleeding, chest pain suggesting a heart attack, or severe shortness of breath, it may be more sensible to dial 999 and ask for an ambulance. The crew on board the ambulance provide emergency care as well as rapid transport to hospital. This is often the quickest lifesaving treatment. In cases of injury, where a broken bone is suspected or stitches may be needed, going straight to the hospital often makes more sense than calling your family doctor, who may not have the facilities to deal with this kind of problem.

Many common illnesses (coughs, colds, sore throats, ear-ache and upset stomachs) may be eased by a simple home remedy or medicine such as a painkiller or other medicine easily obtained from your chemist, who will be happy to advise you. Remember the quick and easy way of getting medical advice is to call NHS 111 on 111.