The NHS Community Pharmacist Consultation Service (CPCS) is a national Advanced Service to refer patients requiring low acuity advice, treatment and urgent repeat prescriptions to community pharmacies. 

The service is helping to alleviate pressure on GP appointments and emergency departments, in addition to harnessing the skills and medicines knowledge of pharmacists. Should the patient need to be escalated or referred to an alternative service, the pharmacist can arrange this.

If your symptoms could be resolved by a booked consultation with the pharmacist instead of the GP, you will be given a same-day referral to a pharmacy of your choice. We think this is a good thing. Once you see how great your local pharmacist is – they are highly trained and skilled clinicians experienced in treating minor illnesses – we don’t think you’ll look back.

The aim is for us to free up GP appointments for people with more complex health needs and ensure that everyone gets treated at the right time, by the right healthcare professional. We are keen to hear what you think and will be listening to your comments and feedback about your experience of using this service.

 

Referral to the community pharmacist referral.docx

 

What can the community pharmacist treat?

This list is not exhaustive but reflects the expected case mix based on current NHS 111 calls.

• Acne, spots and pimples

• Allergic reaction

• Ankle or foot pain or swelling

• Athlete’s foot

• Bites or stings, insect or spider

• Blisters

• Constipation

• Cough

• Cold and ‘flu

• Diarrhoea

• Ear discharge or ear wax

• Earache

• Eye, red or irritable

• Eye, sticky or watery

• Eyelid problems

• Hair loss

• Headache

• Hearing problems or blocked ear

• Hip, thigh or buttock pain or swelling itch

• Knee or lower leg pain

• Lower back pain

• Lower limb pain or swelling

• Mouth ulcers

• Nasal congestion

• Pain and/or frequency passing urine

• Rectal pain

• Scabies

• Scratches and grazes

• Sinusitis

• Shoulder pain

• Skin, rash

• Sleep difficulties

• Sore throat

• Teething

• Tiredness

• Toe pain or swelling

• Vaginal discharge

• Vaginal itch or soreness

• Vomiting

• Wound problems – management of dressings

• Wrist, hand or finger pain or swelling

 

If you believe you meet this criteria and would benefit from a referral to the community pharmacist, please complete the form attached:

Referral to the community pharmacist referral.docx

 

Please ensure you have read the excluded criteria.

 

Once completed please email this to boblmc-bucks.whitehillsurgeryadmin@nhs.net