Services Database Minor Ailment Scheme (Gateshead Area)

The overall aim of the service is to provide treatment and advice via a minor ailments service to patients within the boundary of Newcastle Gateshead Clinical Commissioning Group.

A competent member of the pharmacy team (pharmacist, pharmacy technician, dispensing assistant or pharmacy assistant) will carry out a consultation with the patient. The consultation will consist of:

• assessment of patient, based on symptom history, and;
• provision of advice on the management of the ailment, or;
• provision of advice and supply of a medicine from the local formulary, supported by advice on its use, or;
• provision of advice on the management of the ailment plus a referral to an appropriate health care professional, or;
• provision of advice and supply of a medicine from the local formulary, supported by advice on its use plus a referral to an appropriate health care professional, or,
• an onward signposting process in line with pharmacy competencies and clinical protocols.

In order to provide the service, the lead pharmacist for each pharmacy must have submitted a copy of their CPPE ‘Declaration of Competence’ for minor ailments.

All staff who provide the minor ailments service on behalf of a commissioned pharmacy contractor must have:

• training on relevant paperwork and protocols (e.g. in house); and
• evidence of relevant Child Protection training.