MORE than 600 pharmacies servicing a population of 2.6 million in the north-east of England are being given the chance to take part in a new patient referral pilot scheme, reports The Pharmaceutical Journal.
The service, which will be piloted until 31 Mar 2018, will see NHS 111 call handlers referring patients with 'low acuity' conditions to community pharmacists for face-to-face consultations using PharmOutcomes or NHSmail.
The conditions eligible for the referral service include rashes, constipation, diarrhoea, vaginal discharge, sore eye, mouth ulcer, failed contraception, vomiting, scabies and ear wax.
The aim of the pilot, which is being funded by the Pharmacy Integration Fund, is to increase capacity and relieve pressure on existing urgent-care services.
Pharmaceutical Services Negotiating Committee director Alastair Buxton said, "The service aligns well with the 'Five year forward view' and NHS England's current priorities, including moving care closer to home, 'channel shifting' and promoting self-care.
"The pilot should demonstrate how the community pharmacy network can be effectively used as part of the NHS urgent care system and it will hopefully build the case for a similar approach to be taken across the whole of England."
The above article was sent to subscribers in Pharmacy Daily's issue from 18 Dec 17
To see the full newsletter, see the embedded issue below or CLICK HERE to download Pharmacy Daily from 18 Dec 17
