The Pharmaceutical Services Negotiating Committee (PSNC), a body representing the interests of community pharmacy on issues affecting the NHS, is in talks with NHS Employers about developing a national community pharmacy minor ailments service.

The PSNC says that this service would give patients quick and convenient access to advice and treatment while easing the pressure experienced by GP surgeries and A&E departments, but warn that it would need adequate funding to ensure that clinical records are adequate and that the impact of the service could be assessed.

Mandeep Mudhar, director of marketing with Numark, said: “We hope that a proper, fully dimensional service, is launched with sensible remuneration and one that covers a wide range of common ailments. Such a service would genuinely reduce the pressure on GPs and the ability of patients to get a GP appointment whilst allowing GPs to concentrate on patients with more serious issues.

“This could be the long-awaited next national service that genuinely adds value to pharmacy, reduces pressure on GPs and offers patients more access and care.”