A PUSH to get patients going to pharmacies with common health complaints should relieve pressure on GPs freeing up appointments for people with more serious ailments.

Nationally, 57 million GP appointments and up to a third of A&E attendances each year are used by people with common health complaints which could be dealt with at a pharmacy.

Now pharmacies are offering Pharmacy First, a new service funded by NHS Airedale, Wharfedale and Craven Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG).

It follows the roll-out of the same project in the Bradford City CCG area last year.

It will help people get fast access to a pharmacist who can give advice and support and supply medicines without the need for a doctor’s appointment.

Dr Colin Renwick, chairman of Airedale, Wharfedale and Craven CCG, said: "This is a scheme which will allow GPs and A&E units to dedicate time to patients with more serious or life-threatening conditions.

"It will also mean that people who have common health issues can go straight to their pharmacy and get the advice and help they need without making a doctor’s appointment. It’s important to remember that pharmacists are qualified healthcare professionals who can help with common health problems. They can advise, treat or refer as necessary.

"I and my fellow Airedale, Wharfedale and Craven doctors are urging people to Think Pharmacy First."

The scheme covers common ailments including Athlete's foot, blocked nose, cold, cough, hay fever, sprains and strains and teething.

The service is offered at pharmacies throughout Airedale, Wharfedale and Craven and is available to anyone who is registered at GP practice in those areas.

People should look out for stickers and posters displayed in the window of participating pharmacies.

Pharmacist Lee Tapping, of Boots at Ingrow, Keighley, said: "I’m really pleased to be able to offer my local community the new Pharmacy First service.

"Pharmacies are perfectly placed on the high street to offer healthcare advice and support to all members of the public with no need to book an appointment. Many of the issues raised to GPs can be dealt with in the community pharmacy setting, easing the pressure on GPs and an already over-stretched NHS hospital system.

"The Pharmacy First service uses the skills and knowledge of pharmacists to help patients better look after themselves. By thinking Pharmacy First patients can go straight to their pharmacy to get the help and advice they need for common ailments, without making a doctor’s appointment."