Many patients visit their doctor suffering from minor ailments”.
These are defined as short term illnesses that are self-limiting, last a short time and the patient will get better in a few days. Colds, sore throats, headaches, diarrhoea, constipation and hay fever are typical minor ailments.
The scheme is designed for patients suffering from minor ailments go to their community pharmacy first. Here you will find Pharmacies in your area.
The patient needs to visit the pharmacy and will be asked some questions and, if appropriate, supplied with medicines to treat the condition. This is a FREE service. Other advice will be offered as appropriate.
Should the pharmacist believe the symptoms need to be investigated more or the condition is not “minor”, the patient will be referred to the doctor or other facility. The aim of the service is for patients to be treated without having to visit their doctor and take up one of their valuable appointment slots.
It is also available from many pharmacies after their doctors have closed (late at night, Saturdays and Sundays) and so can also stop visits to GP Out-of-Hours and New Cross Emergency Department.
There are limits to how many times each patient can access the service.
The patient’s NHS Number is needed to participate in the scheme. This is most commonly found on patients’ prescription forms. If you have had prescription medicines dispensed from your local community pharmacy previously, the number may be found on their records.
Target patients
- Patients registered with a Wolverhampton GP
- Patients need to be EXEMPT from prescription charges
- Patients suffering from the minor ailment at the time of the visit and present in person to the pharmacy and have not made a number of requests previously.
Availability
All community pharmacies across the city during normal opening hours.