Non-urgent advice: NHS Community Pharmacist Consultation Service (CPCS)
The NHS Community Pharmacist Consultation Service (CPCS) is a new way to get faster help for minor health issues by seeing your local pharmacist instead of waiting for a GP appointment. This service is designed to reduce pressure on GP surgeries and emergency services, while giving you convenient, expert advice close to home.
What is the CPCS?
The CPCS lets your GP surgery refer you directly to a community pharmacist for same-day advice and treatment for minor illnesses.
Pharmacists are highly trained healthcare professionals who can assess your symptoms, provide advice, recommend treatments, and if needed, supply medicines without a prescription.
If your pharmacist thinks you need further care, they can refer you back to your GP or another health service.
Where is the service available locally?
In Chalfont, the following pharmacies offer the CPCS:
– Boots, Gerrards Cross
– Richard Adams, Chalfont St Peter
– Lloyds, Chalfont St Giles
How does the service work?
1) When you contact us by phone or online with a minor health concern, a GP will review your request.
2) If appropriate, we will offer you a same-day appointment with your local pharmacist.
3) Your pharmacist will contact you by phone or see you in person at a convenient time.
4) They will ask about your symptoms, medical history, and any medicines you take.
5) The pharmacist will provide advice, suggest self-care, or recommend over-the-counter treatments.
6) They will send a record of your consultation to your GP.
7) If you need more help, the pharmacist will arrange a referral back to your GP or another service.
What minor conditions can the CPCS help with?
The service covers common minor illnesses such as:
– Coughs, colds, and sore throats
– Headaches and migraines
– Allergic reactions
– Bites and stings
– Athlete’s foot
– Eye infections
– Mouth ulcers and blisters
– Rashes
– Pain or swelling in ankles, feet, knees, lower legs, arms, shoulders, or lower back
Why use the CPCS?
– Community pharmacies are local and often open longer hours than GP surgeries.
– You can get expert advice quickly, by phone or in person, at a time that suits you.
– It frees up GP appointments for people with more complex health needs.
– Pharmacists can arrange urgent GP appointments if needed.
– The service is safe, confidential, and free to use.
For more information about CPCS, please visit the NHS Website
What is the CPCS?
The CPCS lets your GP surgery refer you directly to a community pharmacist for same-day advice and treatment for minor illnesses.
Pharmacists are highly trained healthcare professionals who can assess your symptoms, provide advice, recommend treatments, and if needed, supply medicines without a prescription.
If your pharmacist thinks you need further care, they can refer you back to your GP or another health service.
Where is the service available locally?
In Chalfont, the following pharmacies offer the CPCS:
– Boots, Gerrards Cross
– Richard Adams, Chalfont St Peter
– Lloyds, Chalfont St Giles
How does the service work?
1) When you contact us by phone or online with a minor health concern, a GP will review your request.
2) If appropriate, we will offer you a same-day appointment with your local pharmacist.
3) Your pharmacist will contact you by phone or see you in person at a convenient time.
4) They will ask about your symptoms, medical history, and any medicines you take.
5) The pharmacist will provide advice, suggest self-care, or recommend over-the-counter treatments.
6) They will send a record of your consultation to your GP.
7) If you need more help, the pharmacist will arrange a referral back to your GP or another service.
What minor conditions can the CPCS help with?
The service covers common minor illnesses such as:
– Coughs, colds, and sore throats
– Headaches and migraines
– Allergic reactions
– Bites and stings
– Athlete’s foot
– Eye infections
– Mouth ulcers and blisters
– Rashes
– Pain or swelling in ankles, feet, knees, lower legs, arms, shoulders, or lower back
Why use the CPCS?
– Community pharmacies are local and often open longer hours than GP surgeries.
– You can get expert advice quickly, by phone or in person, at a time that suits you.
– It frees up GP appointments for people with more complex health needs.
– Pharmacists can arrange urgent GP appointments if needed.
– The service is safe, confidential, and free to use.
For more information about CPCS, please visit the NHS Website