What conditions are suitable for a referral to the pharmacists?
- Bee stings / Wasp stings – minor redness and minor swelling.
- Colds – cold sores, coughs, flu-like symptoms, sore throats.
- Congestion – blocked or runny nose, constant need to clear throat, excess mucus, hayfever.
- Ear – earache, ear wax, blocked ears, hearing problems.
- Eye – conjunctivitis, dry/sore tired eyes, redness or irritable eyes, eyelid problems, watery / runny eyes.
- Gastric / Bowel – constipation, diarrhoea, infant colic, heartburn, indigestion, haemorrhoids, rectal pain, vomitting or nausea.
- General – sleep difficulties, tiredness
- Gynaecology / Thrush – cystitis, vaginal discharge, vaginal itch or soreness.
- Pain – acute pain, ankle or foot pain, headache, hip pain or swelling, knee or leg pain, lower back pain, lower limb pain, migraine, shoulder pain, sprains and strains, thigh or buttock pain, wrist, hand or finger pain.
- Skin – acne, spots and pimples, athlete’s foot, blisters on foot, dermatitis / dry skin, hair loss, nappy rash, oral thrush, ringworm, allergy rash, scabies, skin dressings, warts, wound problems.
- Mouth / Throat – cold sore blisters, hoarseness, mouth ulcers, sore mouth / throat, teething, toothache.
- Swelling – ankle or foot swelling, lower limb swelling, thigh or buttock swelling, toe pain or swelling, wrist, hand or finger swelling.
Why your receptionists need to ask what symptoms you have, and why they may refer you to the pharmacist.
Why your reception teams are asking; ‘what symptoms are you experiencing?’
These questions ensure you are directed to:
- The most appropriate medical care
- The best experienced medical professional
- Have the appropriate time to discuss your symptoms.
Why are receptionists asking for this information?
- To help doctors prioritise care
- To ensure that all patients receive the appropriate level of care.
- To direct patients to see a healthcare professional with the most appropriate knowledge, experience and training to treat your condition.
Reception staff along with anyone working with the practice are bound by confidentiality rules. any information given by you is treated in the strictest of confidence.
Pharmacists are highly experienced, with five years training and spend a high percentage of their time helping patients with symptoms such as yours.