Hywel Dda University Health Board is delighted to have been shortlisted in the Primary Care Innovation category at the prestigious Health Service Journal Awards (HSJ) 2016 for its Community Pharmacy Triage and Treat Service, the first service of its kind in the UK.

Introduced as an alternative to attending an A&E department for low level injuries for both residents and visitors, 17 pharmacies now provide this service across Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire, with an additional nine set to go live before the end of the year.

Jill Paterson, interim director of commissioning, therapies and health science, said: “I am delighted to be notified that this service has been recognised by the HSJ Awards, and reached the shortlisting stage. It is a great achievement to have reached this stage in the face of strong competition.

“By working together, the community pharmacy team, GP practices, the Community Health Council and Ambulance Service have created a unique service that not only benefits residents and visitors to our area by providing care locally and quickly, but the NHS as a whole in terms of saving both money and resources.

“From the simple observation by community pharmacists that with the right training they could treat a number of patients who came through their doors, the service went on to treat 99 patients in 2015/16, with 47 of those confirming in a survey that without the service they would have attended an A&E service, ultimately saving the NHS nearly £4,500.”

Community pharmacies are a fantastic local resource providing general advice and information about different health conditions. You can talk to your community pharmacist about your health and what you can do to care for yourself which could avoid a trip to the doctor.

The types of injuries which can be treated under this service are:

• 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.

Feedback from patients has been very positive, including comments such as:

• “This service was very useful as we are on holiday in the area and needed treatment for our son”;

• “The pharmacist was very efficient and helpful… with advice on how to look after cut”;

• “It’s a super service, really good idea”.

To find a Community Pharmacy Triage and Treat Service near you, please visit http://www.wales.nhs.uk/sitesplus/862/page/87749.

The winner will be announced at an award ceremony on Wednesday, November 23, at the InterContinental O2 Hotel, London.

For the full Health Service Journal Awards 2016 shortlist, please click here https://awards.hsj.co.uk/2016-shortlist