Patients in the island will be able to recieve treatment for a larger range of minor illness at their local pharmacy.
The Minor Aliments Scheme, launched in 2008, has expanded their service to allow patients to obtain treatment on prescription for a wide range of non-serious conditions, direct from the local pharmacy without an appointment.
There are now 16 treatments available from the scheme launched by the Isle of Man Pharmacy Contractors’ Association and the Department of Health and Social Care, which treats 14 different minor illnesses such as hayfever, shingles and toothache, as well a nappy rash and oral thrush in children.
Local pharmacist and spokesperson for the Pharmacy Contractors Association, Ian Hemensley said: ‘Pharmacy teams are increasingly supporting people to improve their health and wellbeing. The Minor Ailments Scheme is very popular, reducing the need for GP appointments for some of the more common minor ailments, such as bacterial conjunctivitis, impetigo, thrush and cystitis.’
To receive treatment patients will first need to have a private consultation with their local pharmacist before being given the appropriate treatment and treatments in the scheme cost £3.85.
In some circumstances patients may need to be referred to their GP if further treatment is needed.
Dr Iain Kewley, executive director for intergrated care, said: ‘The scheme will help to reduce the pressure on GP practices and the Manx emergency doctors service. This will enable GPs to focus on caring for and treating patients with more serious conditions.’
For more information contact you local pharmacy or pick up an information leaflet from your pharmacy or GP practice.