Minor ailments toolkit for PCTs launched by NPA
How to introduce minor ailments schemes into community pharmacies is the topic of a toolkit just launched by the National Pharmaceutical Association, in conjunction with Keele University and Northumberland, Tyne and Wear Strategic Health Authority.
The toolkit is primarily aimed at primary care trusts that are considering
introducing a minor ailments scheme. It provides guidance, practical
tips and examples from existing schemes.
Alison Blenkinsopp, professor of practice of pharmacy at Keele University,
said: “A survey of PCTs carried out in 2003 showed that 75 per
cent are considering such a scheme.”
Claire Jones, assistant head of NHS service development at the NPA, commented: “The
primary care access target in the NHS plan states that, by the end of
2004, all patients will be able to see a GP within 48 hours and a primary
care professional (the definition of which includes community pharmacists)
within 24 hours. Establishing a minor ailment scheme will help PCTs to
meet these access targets.”
In Scotland, a minor ailments scheme has been rolled out to 176 community
pharmacies. A News feature on p115 covers the success of this scheme
to date. |
The
Pharmaceutical Journal