Winter Access funding was made available in late 2021 to build system resilience and improve patient access. Part of this funding was used by NHS Kernow CCG, together with the Local Pharmaceutical Committee (LPC) to commission a novel community pharmacy walk-in pharmacy consultation service (WICS) that allowed patients with low acuity conditions access to a structured consultation with a healthcare professional at a time and place that was convenient to them. Allowing patients to access the service without referral from their GP or NHS 111 reduced demand on those providers, thereby increasing access for those with more complex needs.
The service was promoted extensively by the LPC and CCG as part of the “Choose Well” campaign, and by the middle of July 2022, 77% of patients accessing the service were self-referring. More than three quarters of patients who have accessed the service said that they would have attended their GP practice, and 7% would have contacted NHS 111. The total value of the contacts avoided is estimated to be more than £114,000 against a service cost of less than £49,000.
WICS also allows pharmacists to demonstrate their ability to give safe and appropriate advice to patients within the bounds of their knowledge and expertise. For 12% of patients this included supplying treatment under a locally commissioned patient group direction, highlighting the value of these in increasing pharmacists’ professional autonomy.
Whilst more than 4 out of every 5 consultations were completed without referral to another healthcare provider, data from WICS shows that commensurate referrals are made where appropriate, ranging from a non-urgent GP appointment to calling 999. Pharmacists providing the service have commented that WICS has made a substantial contribution to their professional satisfaction.
