Services Database Think Pharmacy First Common Ailments Scheme (South Tyneside Area)

Service relaunched on 1st April 2015.

A pharmacist, pharmacy technician, dispensing assistant or pharmacy assistant who is appropriately trained is able to undertake a consultation with a patient.

The consultation will consist of:

• an assessment of patients, 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.

Patients with symptoms associated with the specified conditions covered by the service may self-refer into this service and present to any participating pharmacy. Patients may also be signposted to the service from other health and social care providers such as GP practices and NHS 111. It is anticipated that non-participating pharmacies will sign post patients accordingly.

Although the scheme is open to all patients, it is aimed at those who would normally access a GP, Walk in Centre or Accident & Emergency for their minor ailments and those who would not normally purchase medicines OTC. Those patients who choose to consult their GP with respect the treatment of minor ailments are free to do so, but will be subject to their practice’s arrangements for appointments which may result in a delay to receiving a consultation.

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

• received training on the relevant paperwork and protocols (e.g. in house);
• completed the South Tyneside Pioneer ‘Scene Setting’ and ‘Skills Session’ training;
• complete Every Contact is a Health Improvement Contact training;
• evidence of relevant Child Protection Training.