Pharmacy

Pharmacists can also give expert clinical advice for minor health concerns and help with many common illnesses like sore throats, coughs, colds, tummy troubles and aches and pains. Pharmacists are trained experts in managing minor illnesses and using medicines safely. They can advise on the safe use of prescription and over-the-counter medicines. Most local pharmacies have private consultation rooms where your pharmacist can talk to people confidentially.

Community Pharmacist Consultation Service (CPCS) communication materials for general practice

The NHS Community Pharmacist Consultation Service (CPCS) was launched in October 2019 to ensure people are seen by the right healthcare professional by using the skills and medicines knowledge of our community pharmacists. CPCS helps to improve access to primary care services and provides more convenient treatment closer to patients’ homes.

Through the CPCS, patients can access a same day consultation with their community pharmacist for help with a minor illness following a referral from their general practice (or via NHS 111).

We want all patients to understand how to get the right care, at the right time, and with the most appropriate person. We also want to support all primary care staff in their roles.

The CPCS communications toolkit has been developed to help support practices when making a referral to CPCS, helping explain to patients why they might be referred and how the process works. It can also help support ICBs in explaining how practices are working with local community pharmacists to provide care for patients with minor health conditions.

The toolkit resources make it easy for GP practices to share the messages with patients, promoting understanding and confidence in the referral to a community pharmacist.