Improving access for patients Posted or Updated on 10 Oct 2023

We are offering a new approach to improve access for patients to a same-day consultation with a healthcare professional. The aim is to direct patients to the most appropriate person to help them, which may be a GP or a community pharmacist.

If your symptoms can be resolved by a booked consultation with the community pharmacist instead of the GP, you will be given a same-day referral to a pharmacy of your choice. Your consultation may take place on the phone or in person at the pharmacy.

We think this is a good thing. We are working closely with your local pharmacist who is a highly trained and skilled clinician, experienced in treating minor illnesses. Once you see how great they are at helping with minor ailments we don’t think you’ll look back.

This will also help 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.

You can help us

We are keen to hear what you think and will be listening to your comments and feedback about your experience of using this new community pharmacist service.