PATIENTS in Carmarthenshire are being urged to use a new pharmacy service in a bid to free up space at Accident and Emergency departments.

The new Triage and Treat community pharmacy service set up by Hywel Dda University Health Board is available for patients who have a low-level injury or illness.

The health board is currently experiencing significant pressures across all sites and staff members currently are working with primary care and Welsh Ambulance colleagues to maintain emergency healthcare services for the local population during the winter.

Patients can play their part by assessing whether their injury or illness requires urgent medical attention or if it could be successfully treated in their local pharmacy, rather than having to visit a doctor or an A and E department.

The Triage and Treat service can treat people who have minor abrasions, superficial cuts and wounds, sprains and strains, eye complaints such as sand in the eye, removal of items from the skin such as a splinter or shell and minor burns including sunburn.

Community pharmacists will assess the injury or symptom and make a decision as to whether they can ‘treat’ the patient there, or if they need to seek treatment from another healthcare professional.

Community Pharmacist Richard Evans, who works in pharmacies across west Wales, said: “I have found that the Triage and Treat Service has been very beneficial to the local population as well as visitors to the area.

“By providing the service in the local community, most of the patients I've been able to treat have not needed to travel to a local hospital A and E unit, which can often be ten to 20 miles from some of our locations.

“The pharmacies involved have been able to deal with most minor injuries, such as minor abrasions, sprains and even jelly fish stings.

“The service has been well received by individual patients, who have provided very positive feedback to the health board.”

The Triage and Treat service is available at Well Pharmacy in Llandeilo.

Dr Jeremy Williams, Clinical Director for Unscheduled Care, said: “What we’re seeing recently is the A&E Departments of Hywel Dda’s acute hospitals coming under unprecedented pressures, due to a large number of Emergency presentations, both major and minor.

“It would be extremely helpful if people with more minor conditions do not present to the A&E service, but rather try the Triage and Treat Community Pharmacy Service, as this will allow patients with more severe injuries and illness to be treated as quickly and efficiently as possible.”

The vast majority of medical conditions do not need emergency care and there are a range of easy to access services – including pharmacies, optometrists and dentists - that can help people get the right care at the right time.

For more information visit www.hywelddahb.wales.nhs.uk/choosewell.