Expert advice from pharmacists has been just what the doctor ordered for the GP out-of-hours service covering the ABMU area.

Traditionally the service has not just been led by GPs but delivered by them too – but spiralling workloads has made this increasingly difficult.

Last November, pharmacists – predominantly from ABMU but also two from Aneurin Bevan Health Board – began working within the service. They don’t just handle medication queries but, in some cases, assess and deal with minor illnesses and infections. This has proved invaluable in freeing up GPs’ time so they can concentrate on more complex and serious cases.

The out-of-hours service is for people with an urgent medical condition that cannot wait until their own GP surgery is open. Callers initially speak to a trained call handler who takes their details. A GP or pharmacist will then telephone the patient to assess their needs. They could be offered self-help advice, an appointment at one of three ABMU primary care centres in Morriston, Princess of Wales or Neath Port Talbot hospitals or, in some cases, a home visit.

Swansea-based Dr Stephen Bassett, who works as part of the GP out-of-hours service, commented, ‘At a time of increasing workload we need to free up GPs to deal with urgent conditions and urgent medical problems.

‘We have been working closely with the Bevan Commission and its prudent healthcare agenda to ensure people connect with the right professional, in the right place and in the right priority.

‘This involves using everyone’s skills to the maximum and pharmacists bring a lot to the table.

‘They can use their considerable expertise in medicine management issues and repeat prescription inquiries but are also very skilled in dealing with minor conditions.’

Pharmacists now manage two-thirds of the calls passed on to them, either by giving self-care advice or issuing a prescription. The remaining third are referred to the GPs.