Our team is getting bigger!

We have direct access to Minor Illness professionals who will be able to help our patients with their on-day urgent appointments.

Previously, we had a team of GPs, and Nurses to provide care for our on-day clinic. Due to increased demand of urgent, same day appointments, we are now able to book on day consultations with NHS Community Pharmacists who specialise in the care of patients with Minor Illnesses.

Some GP surgeries had started using this service before the COVID pandemic and sadly the role out to Elm Hayes Surgery had been delayed because of the pandemic. However, we are now in a position to take advantage of the increased appointments that are being made available for our patients.

Our highly skilled reception team will refer patients to the service, depending on the symptoms that the patient has. That way we have enough appointments to go round to everyone who needs one.

The NHS Community Pharmacists have extensive skills and training in lots of Illnesses and can refer to the GP, Nurse, 111 or A+E as required.  The Pharmacists have had a minimum of 4 years training, and are registered to the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPC).

When a patient is referred for a personal consultation with an NHS Pharmacist, they will receive a same-day appointment for clinical assessment. They can advise on the best course of action to manage or treat symptoms. All of our local Pharmacies now have same-day appointments available with an NHS Clinical Pharmacist who specialises in Minor Illnesses. So, patients can pick a Pharmacy that is most convenient to them!

We are so pleased to be working much more closely with our extended NHS team. And we hope that this extra specialist help with relieve the pressure on Primary Care.