Vale of Belvoir patients to get new booking service for minor illness treatments
Patients in the Vale of Belvoir will next week have access to a new booking service to help them get appointments and treatments for minor illnesses.
A new website is being launched for Long Clawson Pharmacy, adjacent to the surgery, as part of the government’s Pharmacy First scheme, which is aimed at reducing waiting lists and increasing patient choices to access expert healthcare.
Conditions such as shingles, sinusitis, infected insect bites, sore throats, earaches, impetigo and urinary tract infections can be dealt with at the pharmacy, on The Sands, through the medicine4you.org which launched on Monday.
Dr Rachel Andrews, GP partner at Long Clawson surgery, said the service reflects the pharmacy’s ongoing dedication to improving patient access to healthcare and supporting the wellbeing of the local community.
She said: “We are delighted to launch our new website, making it easier for patients to book appointments and access information about the services we provide.
"Whether through NHS services or private healthcare options, our goal is to offer convenient, accessible and professional care while continuing to serve our community better.”
Rajshri Owen, chief executive officer for community pharmacy in Leicester, Leicestershire & Rutland, commented: “Pharmacy First is transforming how patients access healthcare by providing fast, convenient access to expert advice and treatment through their local community pharmacy.
"By enabling patients to book directly into the service, pharmacies are making it even easier for people to receive the care they need without waiting for a GP appointment.
“Community pharmacies are highly skilled clinical providers and are ideally placed to manage many common conditions.
"This not only improves patient access and convenience but also helps free up valuable GP capacity, allowing doctors to focus on patients with more complex healthcare needs.
"Initiatives such as this demonstrate how community pharmacy is helping to deliver care closer to home and support the future sustainability of the NHS.”
Long Clawson Pharmacy offers a wide range of NHS services to patients alongside an expanding portfolio of private healthcare services, including Pharmacy First consultations, weight loss services, private flu vaccinations, blood pressure checks and expert healthcare advice and support.