FREE MEDICINES FOR MINOR AILMENTS AT MOST LOCAL CHEMIST

According to "NHS Community Pharmacy Contractual Framework Enhanced Service Minor Ailment Service" Examples of ailments which have been commonly included within previously commissioned local schemes are:
Back ache, sprains and strains
Colds
Conjunctivitis
Constipation
Coughs
Diarrhoea
Earache
Haemorrhoids
Hayfever
Head lice
Headache and fever
Heartburn and indigestion
Insect bites and stings
Mild eczema and dermatitis
Minor fungal infections of the skin
Mouth ulcers
Nappy rash
Sore throat
Teething
Threadworm
Thrush


Hi All

My name must give it away, but sure enough most PCT's (Primary Care Trust) or local NHS are doing or are in process of introducing a minor ailment scheme, local to me the scheme is called "Pharmacy First" .... ie visit the pharmacy first!!!. There is momentum for goverment to introduce the scheme nationally to ensure this service regardless of your postcode so that you all will be able to access the minor ailments free for all people exempt from prescription charges. The scheme is run to inprove access to medicines for patients and also to ensure patints access the right healthcare professional for their needs and allows for more GP appointments to be available for those that really need them. Also with many pharmacies open late evening and on the weekends.

To find out if the scheme is available where you live then see the NHS website and contact your local Primary Care Trust or Local NHS. www.nhs.uk

Quit a few pharmacies nationally are providing Quit smoking support, from advice to supply of patches, gum, inhalators etc again usually for those exempt for prescription charge, but againt the schemes are local and vary from PCT to PCT.

Also free Chlamydia kits, condoms and even the Morning After Pill from some pharmacies, the pharmacies, must be accredited to provide these services and have a pharmacist that has undertaken the additional training for the local scheme. The morning after pill is usually restricted to those under 25 years of age, but as mentioned before these are local schemes that vary

If people who find out if there PCT area is providing this service I will try and update the list so that it will be part of the description. If your PCT does not provide this service then send an email to the Rt Hon Alan Johnson (Health Secretary) asking why this is not available in your area!! email:- johnsona@parliament.uk

Hope it helps. Credit for this to the calprofen thread on hotukdeals.com

thepharmacist




NHS Peterborough (formally Peterborough PCT)