Why is a minor ailments scheme not an essential service, asks AIMp
Why can we not have a national NHS minor ailments scheme in England or Wales, asked Steven Williams, chairman of the Association of Independent Multiple Pharmacies (AIMp), at its first annual dinner in London last week.
“The current Government has consistently refused to add a minor
ailments scheme to the essential services of the pharmacy
contract. This
is despite
the fact that such schemes are loved by patients, they save extremely
valuable time within other areas of the NHS and pharmacists have demonstrated
themselves to be willing and able to provide such services very cost
effectively,” he said.
Mr Williams pointed out that the current system is a postcode lottery
and depends on whether you live in an area where an enlightened primary
care trust has set up a pharmacy-based minor ailments scheme or in Scotland
where there is a national scheme.
Shadow Secretary of State for Health Andrew Lansley, who also spoke at
the dinner, agreed that a national minor ailments scheme ought to make
a big difference. In addition, he spoke about the importance of public
health in terms of identifying risk and screening in pharmacies and suggested
that a ring-fenced budget is needed for public health services. |
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