RESIDENTS in Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire are being encouraged to look after themselves by using the health board’s Triage + Treat service at selected pharmacies across the three counties this Winter.
Triage + Treat can help you if you have a low level injury rather than having to visit a doctor or an A&E department. The service is provided by a pharmacist or a member of the pharmacy team who has had special training, and can be used by visitors, holidaymakers and local residents, especially when GP practices are not open.
The types of injuries that can be treated under the service are:
• Minor abrasions, superficial cuts and wounds
• Eye complaints such as sand in the eye
• Removal of items from the skin such as a splinter or shell
• Minor burns including sunburn
When accidents happen or illnesses take hold, you can use Triage + Treat by visiting your local participating pharmacy – for a full list of these click here: www.hywelddahb.wales.nhs.uk/CommunityPharmacy
When you arrive at the pharmacy you will:
• Be asked for your agreement (consent) to be examined
• Have a triage (assessment) of your condition
• If appropriate, be treated or advised about where you should go for your treatment
• Your own GP will be told about any treatment given
• You will also be asked to let us know your views on the service.
Elaine Lorton, Assistant Director of Primary Care at Hywel Dda University Health Board, said: “Community pharmacies are a fantastic local resource but a lot of people still don’t realise that they can do more than just dispense medicine – your community pharmacist can also treat low-level injuries under the Triage + Treat service so you may be able to avoid a trip to the doctor or emergency department.
“You can also talk to your local community pharmacist about your health and they can advise you on what you can do to care for yourself, particularly during the winter months.”
Please be aware that Triage + Treat is provided free under the NHS but you will need to pay for any aftercare you may need, such as over the counter pain relief.
For more information on Triage + Treat, and on how you can help the NHS by being “Winter Wise,” click here: www.hywelddahb.wales.nhs.uk/winterwise
