Church Gresley health centre offering Swadlincote patients a new approach to appointments

Swadlincote's Gresleydale Health Centre is taking part in a new approach to improve access for patients to GP appointments.

They aim is to direct patients to the most appropriate healthcare professional, which may be a GP or a pharmacist.

A post on the Church Gresley health centre's website says: "This new Community Pharmacist Consultation Service (CPCS) is now operating and if your symptoms could be resolved by a booked consultation with the pharmacist instead of the GP, you will be given a same-day referral to a pharmacy of your choice. All local pharmacies are participating in the scheme.

"We think this is a good thing.

"Once you see how great your local pharmacist is – they are highly trained and skilled clinicians experienced in treating minor illnesses – we don't think you'll look back.

"This will also help us to free up GP appointments for people with more complex health needs and ensure that everyone gets treated at the right time, by the right healthcare professional.

"We are keen to hear what you think and will be listening to your comments and feedback about your experience of using this service and intend to run an online patient survey in the near future."