During winter, services such as GP surgeries and hospitals experience increased patient demand, mainly due to cold weather and peaks of common infections and ailments.
Between us all, we can help alleviate some of the demand by using alternative health services for those more minor conditions.
A number of pharmacies offer an extended service called Community Pharmacy Consultation Service (CPCS), where they can review and treat a number of minor illnesses and ailments. You can contact your local pharmacy directly or our reception teams can arrange a referral for you. If you are calling us with a minor illness or ailment, our reception teams may also signpost you to CPCS in the first instance.
There are many conditions covered by CPCS, including (but not limited to) generalised pain and swelling, sore throats, bites and stings, headaches, constipation and diarrhoea, colds and flu, mouth ulcers, tiredness, and vomiting.
Additionally, Pharmacists are able to offer treatment and prescribe medication for some conditions without you needing to see your GP. This is called Pharmacy First. Conditions that can be treated and prescribed for include:
- Earache (aged 1 to 17 years)
- Impetigo (aged 1 year and over)
- Infected insect bites (aged 1 year and over)
- Shingles (aged 18 and over)
- Sinusitis (aged 12 years and over)
- Sore throat (aged 5 years and over)
- Urinary tract infections or UTI’s (women aged 16 to 64 years)
If you contact us with an eye problem, our reception teams may signpost you to the Minor Eye Conditions Service (MECS). MECS is made up of a team of eye specialists who treat non-emergency eye conditions that do not need hospital attention. Conditions covered include acute red eyes, acute irritated or inflamed eyes, sticky discharge or acute watery eyes, in-growing eyelashes, foreign bodies in the eye and recently occurring flashes or floaters.
If you require any further information about any of the above services please do not hesitate to speak to your local pharmacy, our reception teams or email us on cpicb.grantapatientservices@nhs.net We wish you all a healthy and safe November.
Sandra East, Head of Patient Services
