Services Database Pharmacy First Scheme for Common Ailments 2015-16 (Across Staffordshire – 2 LPCs Involved)

Please note this service is commissioned across Staffordshire. Therefore, the following LPCs have the same minor ailment service in their areas:

• North Staffordshire & Stoke on Trent LPC
• South Staffordshire LPC

The service has only been added onto the Services Database under this entry to avoid duplication.

This service was available in Shropshire but this area has now been decommissioned.

The overall aim of the scheme is to ensure that patients can access self-care advice for the treatment of common ailments and, where appropriate, can be supplied with over the counter medicines at NHS expense to treat their ailment. This will enable patients to seek advice and treatment from the most appropriate location for these ailments, rather than increasing the burden on other NHS providers.

• Educate patient’s to seek advice and treatment from the most appropriate healthcare setting
• Improve patient’s access to advice and appropriate treatment for common ailments via Community Pharmacy
• Promote self-care
• Promote the role of Pharmacists and Pharmacy staff

The Pharmacy First Scheme is offered as a quicker alternative for patients to access advice and treatment for common ailments, but patients may choose to refuse this service and continue to access other healthcare settings.

Not known.