‘Pharmacy First’ service resumes again this winter

COMMUNITY pharmacies across the North will provide a ‘Pharmacy First’ service again this winter.

The Department has said this will encourage patients to contact their local chemist for help with everyday health conditions, including common winter ailments.

The Pharmacy First service enables patients to have a consultation virtually or in a private area with their local community pharmacist. Each month over 10,000 consultations for minor ailments take place in our community pharmacies. Many common winter conditions can potentially be self-managed.

These often require little or no medical intervention. Many people who consult GP’s for common conditions could instead be assisted by a community pharmacist. Pharmacists can offer advice and treatment for a wide range of different illnesses. These include winter health conditions like common colds to everyday health problems.

Patients can call into a community pharmacy for a consultation, but for infection control purposes, it is preferable if they ring the pharmacy for advice. They can then have a consultation with the pharmacist over the phone, a video call or go to the pharmacy in person.

Remote consultations will also be available for those who are vulnerable, and those isolating due to Covid-19, who are unable to get medical advice for winter and Covid-19 care.

Anyone experiencing any Covid-19 symptoms such as high temperature, continuous cough or loss of taste or smell should not go into the pharmacy.

The service will be available from participating community pharmacies from November, 8 until  March, 31. All patients registered with a GP in the North can use this service, with the exception of temporary residents and patients living in nursing or residential homes.

THINK PHARMACY FIRST

Joe Brogan, Head of Pharmacy, Health and Social Care Board said, “Community pharmacists have played an important role throughout this pandemic and will continue to do so this winter. I would encourage anyone who has a minor health condition like a sore throat or a cold to think ‘Pharmacy First.’

“Community pharmacists have the skills, expertise and experience to provide advice and treatment for a range of common conditions.

“This will help GP practices, GP out-of-hours services and Emergency Departments over the coming months when winter ailments occur more frequently.”

Chief Executive of Community Pharmacy NI, Gerard Greene continued, “The launch of the Pharmacy First service for everyday health conditions at community pharmacies comes at a time when the health service is under tremendous strain, and on course for further winter pressures.

“As a community health asset, community pharmacy continues to be front door to the health service, providing expert clinical assessments, advice and treatments to patients.

“The Pharmacy First service allows community pharmacies to manage health conditions such as sore throats and the common cold close to home and at a convenient time, benefiting the patient and easing some of the pressures being felt in other parts of the health service.”