The Pharmaceutical Journal
Vol 272 No 7287 p215
21 February 2004

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Letters to the Editor

Minor ailments service

Scheme should be an “essential service”

From Mr M. W. S. Holden, MRPharmS

Brian Curwain casts doubt on the integrity of the profession to be able to prescribe and supply appropriate medicines to meet the needs of patients presenting with minor ailments under an NHS scheme (PJ, 14 February, p185). Surely we have been “trusting” dispensing doctors on this basis for years, so why not pharmacists?

Minor ailments schemes, correctly established with appropriate protocols and funding, present a massive opportunity for the NHS at national and local levels to achieve access targets by allowing patients to see a health care professional (their local pharmacist) almost immediately, to receive treatment or to be referred rapidly to their GP where necessary. Up to 40 per cent of GP workload relates to the diagnosis and treatment of minor ailments leading to appointment blocking for patients with acute conditions, creating unnecessary costs to the NHS and restricting patient access to health care.

I would commend all primary care trusts in England to follow the Scottish model now and for a minor ailments service to become part of “essential services” in the new NHS pharmacy contract in England.

Michael Holden
Chairman
Hampshire & IOW Local Pharmaceutical Committee

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