The NHS Community Pharmacy Consultation Service (CPCS) is an NHS England initiative providing more convenient treatment closer to patients’ homes

Lots of conditions are more appropriate for a consultation with a Community Pharmacist, rather than a GP.  This will help free up GPs to deal with more complex health needs and ensure that everyone gets treated at the right time, by the right healthcare professional.

This service has been trialled by practices across England, where it has proved to be very successful and patients in particular are finding it very helpful. Patients have also been referred to local clinical pharmacists by NHS 111 for some time.

What is an NHS Community Pharmacist Consultation?

• It’s a one-to-one consultation with a fully qualified clinical pharmacist at a local pharmacy.
• It involves a clinical assessment and conversation with the pharmacist.
• The consultation is normally by phone in the first instance or in the privacy of a consultation room at the pharmacy.
• The clinical pharmacist will normally contact the patient within 4 working hours.
• The clinical pharmacist will advise if an over-the-counter medicine is suitable, if so this can be obtained from your usual pharmacy, or if you need to be seen then they will refer you back to the GP practice.

How can the clinical pharmacist help?

• The clinical pharmacist has the right clinical training to assess you and recommend the best treatment for some common conditions.
• If your symptoms suggest it’s more serious, the clinical pharmacist will help you to get an urgent GP appointment if needed.
• If you don’t need any treatment the clinical pharmacist will be able to provide reassurance and advice – for example, a minor ailment that may get better on its own.
• To help with symptoms, the clinical pharmacist may suggest an over-the-counter medicine that can be purchased.

What happens next?

• The clinical pharmacist will make a record of the outcome and send it back to your GP.

What conditions can the clinical pharmacist treat?

Generally this will include most uncomplicated minor ailments and minor illnesses such as:

• Bites and stings
• Colds and flu like symptoms
• Congestion (blocked or runny nose, hay fever, excess mucus etc)
• Ear wax
• Eyes (conjunctivitis, dry, runny or sore eyes)
• Gastric & Bowel issues (constipation, heartburn, indigestion, haemorrhoids, vomiting)
• Gynae & Thrush conditions
• General muscular pain, sprains and strains
• Skin conditions (acne, athletes foot, dermatitis, rashes, warts & verrucas, etc)
• Mouth & throat conditions (cold sore, ulcers, sore throat etc)

The service is not suitable for:

• Children under 1 year old
• Immunosuppressed patients
• Severe symptoms
• Pregnant patients
• Symptoms/conditions that have lasted more than 3 weeks
• Has not responded to over-the-counter medication

How can I access the service?

Contact our Reception Team on
01228 588121 where you will be asked to discuss your symptoms and, if appropriate, refer you for a same day appointment with our community pharmacist colleagues at a local community pharmacy for a personal consultation.

You will have a choice over which pharmacy you are referred to.

Please note, we can only refer those who are registered patients of Carlisle Healthcare. If you are not registered with us, please contact your own GP surgery or the Pharmacy directly.