A TRAILBLAZING scheme will make pharmacists the first point of call for some patients from the Derwentside area suffering from minor ailments, it has been announced.

A new scheme called Pharmacy First has been developed by Derwentside Primary Care Trust and local pharmacists to treat patients who are suffering from minor conditions - freeing up GPs to deal with patients with more serious problems.

Minor conditions could range from head lice to cold symptoms, which can be treated without the need of a GP appointment.

The scheme, which is available to patients exempt from prescription charges, offers patients advice and a supply of medication free of charge from their local community pharmacy staff.

The scheme, a three month pilot scheme, was launched on Monday.

At first, it will only be available to patients registered with Tanfield View Surgery, in Stanley, and Cedars Medical Group, in Burnopfield.

Any patient who is exempt from prescription charges and registered with one of the participating practices can use the scheme.

Patients must have proof that they are registered with one of the two practices - a tear-off slip from a repeat prescription is acceptable, if not then they can get a form proving their registration from their GP's surgery.

Lee Middleton of the Derwentside Primary Care Trust Medicines Management Programme said: "The scheme should mean that patients suffering conditions such as head lice, thrush and cold symptoms should be seen a lot quicker. "It will make it easier for patients to obtain medicines without the need for a prescription and will reduce unnecessary visits and phone calls to the GP surgery - giving local GPs more time to see patients with more serious conditions.

"It will also make better use of the skills of local community pharmacists. If the pilot scheme is a success for patients from the two GP practices involved, we hope to offer the Pharmacy First scheme to patients from other practices in the Derwentside area."

Dr Barbara Gallway, a GP of the Cedars Medical Group, said: "We see this scheme as being a benefit to both patients and the GP surgeries involved."