Menu
08/11/2019
Pharmacies To Offer Advice On Minor Winter Ailments
Community pharmacies across Northern Ireland are to offer consultations and advice on minor ailments throughout the coming winter.
The winter initiative known as Pharmacy First will enable patients to have a consultation in a private area with their local community pharmacist for advice and treatment for common ailments.
It's hoped the scheme will take pressure of local GP services and Emergency Departments by encouraging patients to visit their local pharmacy first.
Last winter, over 21,000 consultations were offered to patients with 50% of users saying they would have contacted their GP or Out of Hours if this service wasn't available. 64% of GPs also reported that the service had a beneficial impact on their workload.
Some 92% of those who used the service last winter said they felt more confident about managing their cold, sore throat or flu-like illness after speaking to a professional at their local pharmacy.
The service opened on 01 November and will run until 31 March 2020 for all patients registered with a GP in Northern Ireland, except temporary residents and patients living in nursing or residential homes.
Joe Brogan, Head of Pharmacy at the Health and Social Care Board said: "Community pharmacists have an important role to play as the 'local medicines expert' and this service will reinforce that role. We encourage the public, when they have a winter ailment and are considering going to their GP – to think Pharmacy First. Community pharmacists will use their skills and expertise to provide advice and treatment for a range of common conditions. This will help support GP practices, GP out-of-hours services and Emergency Departments over the coming months when winter ailments occur more frequently."
Gerard Greene, Chief Executive, Community Pharmacy NI added: "A visit to a community pharmacy gives patients the opportunity to have a face to face consultation with a health professional at a time and location close to home, without the need for an appointment. Community pharmacists are clinically trained and can offer advice and if necessary, provide treatment to help patients ease and manage their symptoms. With the seasonal rise in demand for healthcare services fast approaching, the Pharmacy First service enables the patient to get the right treatment, at the right time and at the right place."
(JG/CM)
The winter initiative known as Pharmacy First will enable patients to have a consultation in a private area with their local community pharmacist for advice and treatment for common ailments.
It's hoped the scheme will take pressure of local GP services and Emergency Departments by encouraging patients to visit their local pharmacy first.
Last winter, over 21,000 consultations were offered to patients with 50% of users saying they would have contacted their GP or Out of Hours if this service wasn't available. 64% of GPs also reported that the service had a beneficial impact on their workload.
Some 92% of those who used the service last winter said they felt more confident about managing their cold, sore throat or flu-like illness after speaking to a professional at their local pharmacy.
The service opened on 01 November and will run until 31 March 2020 for all patients registered with a GP in Northern Ireland, except temporary residents and patients living in nursing or residential homes.
Joe Brogan, Head of Pharmacy at the Health and Social Care Board said: "Community pharmacists have an important role to play as the 'local medicines expert' and this service will reinforce that role. We encourage the public, when they have a winter ailment and are considering going to their GP – to think Pharmacy First. Community pharmacists will use their skills and expertise to provide advice and treatment for a range of common conditions. This will help support GP practices, GP out-of-hours services and Emergency Departments over the coming months when winter ailments occur more frequently."
Gerard Greene, Chief Executive, Community Pharmacy NI added: "A visit to a community pharmacy gives patients the opportunity to have a face to face consultation with a health professional at a time and location close to home, without the need for an appointment. Community pharmacists are clinically trained and can offer advice and if necessary, provide treatment to help patients ease and manage their symptoms. With the seasonal rise in demand for healthcare services fast approaching, the Pharmacy First service enables the patient to get the right treatment, at the right time and at the right place."
(JG/CM)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
02 November 2005
Pharmacies offer new service to treat winter ailments
Patients suffering from minor ailments, such as colds and sore throats, can now be treated at local pharmacies.
Pharmacies offer new service to treat winter ailments
Patients suffering from minor ailments, such as colds and sore throats, can now be treated at local pharmacies.
22 November 2024
SF Calls For Action On NI Mental Health Services
Sinn Féin has called for more to be done to improve mental health services across the north of Ireland. The party's mental health spokesperson, MLA Órlaithí Flynn, made the call after the release of the Registrar General's 2023 Annual Report which has highlighted an increase in deaths by suicide in 2023.
SF Calls For Action On NI Mental Health Services
Sinn Féin has called for more to be done to improve mental health services across the north of Ireland. The party's mental health spokesperson, MLA Órlaithí Flynn, made the call after the release of the Registrar General's 2023 Annual Report which has highlighted an increase in deaths by suicide in 2023.
03 April 2024
New Campaign Highlights Importance Of Cancer Screenings
Community pharmacies across Northern Ireland have backed a campaign highlighting the importance of attending cancer screenings when invited.
New Campaign Highlights Importance Of Cancer Screenings
Community pharmacies across Northern Ireland have backed a campaign highlighting the importance of attending cancer screenings when invited.
12 October 2021
Dept Of Health Details Winter Vaccination Programme
Northern Ireland's winter vaccination programme has been detailed by the Department of Health. The Covid vaccination programme is continuing, alongside the new booster programme, and this year's flu vaccination drive has now gotten underway.
Dept Of Health Details Winter Vaccination Programme
Northern Ireland's winter vaccination programme has been detailed by the Department of Health. The Covid vaccination programme is continuing, alongside the new booster programme, and this year's flu vaccination drive has now gotten underway.
14 September 2022
Health And Social Care Arrangements For 19 September
The Department of Health (DoH) have issued guidance and information for Health and Social Care arrangements on Monday 19 September, the day of the State Funeral of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
Health And Social Care Arrangements For 19 September
The Department of Health (DoH) have issued guidance and information for Health and Social Care arrangements on Monday 19 September, the day of the State Funeral of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
