The Department of Health has announced that the community pharmacy Minor Ailments Service has been extended to include hay fever symptoms.
The Minor Ailments Service was launched throughout Northern Ireland in November 2005. It enables patients to obtain treatment for a number of common ailments direct from their local pharmacy without going to their GP to obtain a prescription. It initially focused on winter ailments such as coughs and colds and has now been extended to include hay fever symptoms.
Announcing the extension Dr Norman Morrow, Chief Pharmaceutical Officer, Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety (DHSSPS) said: "Initial results of the Minor Ailments Service have been very promising. From November 2005, patients suffering from winter ailments such as sore throat, headache, coughs and colds have been able to consult their pharmacist and where appropriate, obtain free medicines directly from the pharmacy without the need for a prescription.
"I am now announcing that the service will be extended to include patients suffering from symptoms of hay fever. Pharmacists will be able to provide advice, support and treatment in the management of this condition."
Dr Morrow said that early indications had shown a reduction in unnecessary visits to GP surgeries, giving GPs more time to see patients with more serious conditions.
He added: "Around 5,000 consultations per month were provided through community pharmacies over the winter period. Over 73% of patients reporting said that, had this new service not been available, they would have had to make an appointment at their GP practice. This service has provided patients with more choice and convenience in accessing their healthcare and should complement and make better use of existing pharmacy services."
