Minor Ailment Scheme
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
A Minor Ailment Scheme is a service provided by pharmacies for the National Health Service, first established in England in 2008.
Treatment is provided for conditions such as acute coughs, diarrhoea, earache and simple eczema in children. It is designed to enable people with minor health conditions to access medicines and advice they would otherwise visit their doctor for.[1]
The Minor Ailment Service was introduced by NHS Scotland covering all pharmacies in 2006, but was available only to “people who meet certain age, health, and social criteria” - under-16s, under-19s in full-time education, over-60s, individuals on Jobseeker's Allowance and asylum seekers - about 60% of the Scottish population. In September 2018 it was announced that the scheme would be redesigned and extended to the whole population.[2] Almost 90% of patients surveyed on their use of the scheme said their consultation experience was “excellent”. 29% of consultations were for treatment of an allergy, 16% for skin conditions, 11% for gastrointestinal issues, 10% for infections, 8% for respiratory problems and 7% for musculoskeletal pain.[3]
The scheme is to be replaced by the NHS Pharmacy First scheme in July 2020.[4]
Northern Ireland
In Northern Ireland, the scheme cost £6,366,089 for medicines supplied, and £7,830,424 for fees paid to community pharmacies providing the service from 2013 to 2017. The largest amount, £1,201,495, was spent on Hedrin lotion for the treatment of head lice.[5]