Pharmacy Service (NHS), North Ireland
In a nuthsell, the Minor Ailments Scheme (or MAS) is a program which aims to help both patients and doctors by making the health system more efficient.
Namely, MAS is organized so as to allow patients suffering from minor ailments to visit local pharmacies instead of going to their GP. Thus, doctors have more time and energy to treat more serious conditions; and patients have a faster access to some medications.
In the long run, the Minor Ailments Scheme strives to change patients’ culture. Because stats show many GPs suffer from work overload due to consultations of this kind.
All of our pharmacists are qualified and have completed a MAS training package.
So, in case you have one of those listed below, just visit us and ask to speak one of our trained professionals. You don’t need to book an appointment! But, you do need to fill out a short questionnaire to complete. Afterward, you will be advised if the minor ailment affecting you can be treated under the Minor Ailment Scheme.
Note that if you are exempt from paying prescription charges (see here), you won’t have to pay for the medicine.
Depending on many different factors, the MAS covers numerous ailments.
Whilst in most cases the treatment recommended by our Pharmacist will cure your condition it is important that if your symptoms persist you seek further advice from the Pharmacist or GP.
If you choose to visit your GP always let the Doctor know you have been to Murphy’s Chemist and what medication you have been taking.
Some things you should no upfront:
Free advice and support by specially trained advisors to provide expert help to break the habit of a lifetime.
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