We are participating in a nationwide approach to improve access for patients to GP appointments. This is called the NHS Community Pharmacy Consultation Service (CPCS), which commenced in 2019. The aim is to direct patients to the most appropriate healthcare professional. This may be a GP or your local Community Pharmacist.

From now on, if your symptoms could be resolved by a booked consultation with the Community Pharmacist instead of the GP, you will be given a same-day referral to your local preferred NHS Community Pharmacy who will contact you by phone in a timely manner. If you have not heard from the pharmacist after a few hours, please feel free to ring them.

Please do not visit the pharmacy, wait for them to book you in for the consultation, either face to face or a phone call.

Pharmacists are highly trained and skilled clinicians experienced in treating minor illnesses. The CPCS will 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.

Here is a short video that explains more about this service

If referred to a Community Pharmacist, your online consultation form or summary that includes summary of your symptoms will be shared with them. They will contact you to discuss your query, which may be over the phone or in person, if required. The Community Pharmacist will recommend the most appropriate treatment, which may be purchased over-the-counter. As part of a wider NHS initiative, this is called 'Self-Care'. More information can be found here.

After your consultation, the Community Pharmacist will update us and advise if any further follow-up is required. 

Many thanks,
Breeda Mac Eoin,
Advanced Clinical Specialist Pharmacist, North Camden Primary Care Network