A community pharmacy pilot which helps people with low level injuries and is thought to be the first of its kind in Wales, has been extended until the end of March 2015.

The Triage and Treat service in Tenby and Saundersfoot has helped almost 50 local people and visitors, since it launched in mid July. Eighty-seven per cent of those using the service said if it had not been there they would have visited hospital or their GP surgery.

Severe sunburn, minor wounds and abrasions are just a few of the ailments that have been treated.

Hywel Dda University Health Board believes the pilot has been so successful that it has commissioned it for a further six months in the two participating pharmacies:

Glen Pharmacy, Gas Lane, Tenby (8.30 am - 1 pm, 2 - 6 pm Monday to Friday; 8.30 - 11.30 am Saturday. Tel. 01834 844462)

The Pharmacy, The Strand, Saundersfoot (9 am - 1 pm, 2 - 5.30 pm Monday to Friday; 9.30 am - 12 noon Saturday. Tel. 01834 812343).

Participating pharmacist Damian Williams from Glen Pharmacy, said: "Local community pharmacies can help with many ailments and hopefully this scheme is helping raise awareness of that. We have a great relationship with our local customers and visitors alike and you can just call in to see us, with no need to make an appointment."

The Triage + Treat service is provided by a pharmacist or a member of the pharmacy team who has had special training. They assess a person's injury or symptom and make a decision as to whether they can 'treat' or if they need to give advice about treatment elsewhere.

Comments received so far from people who have accessed the service include:

"I was given advice and treatment, and extra dressings I might require for my wound within a few minutes. The pharmacist, a gentleman, was extremely helpful and sympathetic."

"The service was fantastic, as without it we would have ve had to take our two-year-old to A&E - 40 minutes drive away. As it happened, no treatment was required, so this saved a lot of time and an unnecessary trip to hospital which would have wasted the health board's time and resources."

Assistant director of primary care, Elaine Lorton, said: "We originally wanted to run this pilot over the busy summer period. However, it has been so successful, from the point of view of the pharmacist and users, that we are delighted to extend it until the end of March. Whatever the time of year, every community pharmacy provides general advice and information about different health conditions. You can talk to your community pharmacist about your health and they can advise on what you can do to care for yourself which could avoid a visit to your doctor."

Hywel Dda University Health Board also continues to work with GPs, particularly in Tenby, to help address their current recruitment issues.

People are also reminded to Choose Well when it comes to finding the best NHS service for them for more information go to http://www.hywelddahb.wales.nhs.uk/choosewell">www.hywelddahb.wales.nhs.uk/choosewell