Agreement reached on minor ailments service

The Health Minister, Michael McGimpsey has announced that the new community pharmacy minor ailment service will be available across Northern Ireland from 1 January 2009.

Agreement has been reached between the Minister and the Pharmaceutical Contractors Committee (PCC) after intensive discussions about the future of the scheme.

The minor ailments service, enables those patients in receipt of free prescriptions to access treatment from their local pharmacy for conditions such as coughs and colds, hay fever and head lice.

The Minister said: “I welcome the agreement that has been reached with the profession for the provision of this very worthwhile service to patients. This will mean that the minor ailments service will once again offer patients convenience and choice in gaining access to expert advice and treatment from their local pharmacy without the need for a visit to their GP.

“It will ensure that community pharmacy remains at the heart of healthcare provision in the community and allows patients to benefit further from the skills of community pharmacists.”

Tim Corrie, Chairman of the Pharmaceutical Contractors' Committee of Northern Ireland added: "We are very pleased that we have been able to reach agreement with the Department on the terms of the Health Service Minor Ailments Service. It is good news for patients and the public - we know how much they value this service. It is also good news for the Health Service because it saves taxpayers' money by reducing unnecessary visits to Accident and Emergency or GP surgeries. We are grateful to the Minister, Mr McGimpsey, for his personal involvement in the negotiations that have ensured this important service will be back in pharmacies in the New Year."

Notes to Editors:

1. The new Minor Ailments Service will be introduced from 1 January 2009.
2. The service will enable those patients in receipt of free prescriptions to access treatment for the following conditions: Coughs and Colds, Hayfever, Head lice, Athlete’s foot, Threadworms, Vaginal Thrush, Diarrhoea, and Dhobie Itch.
3. The PCC previously rejected an offer from the Department in July 2008 for the provision of an enhanced minor ailments service with the result that patients had access to treatment from a limited number of pharmacies.
4. The new deal means that each pharmacy will be paid £10.04 for the first 500 consultations, £9.04 for the next 500, £8.04 for the next 1,000 and then £6.54 up to the limit of 2,250 consultations. In addition the appropriate ingredient costs will be paid.
5. DHSSPS Press enquiries to the DHSSPS Press Office on 028 9052 0575. Outside office hours, please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.
6. PCC Press enquiries to Gráinne Magee grainnem@stratagem-ni.com 028 9087 2800 Mobile: 07919493650 or Katherine McDonald 07811 332 056