A scheme will make pharmacists the first point of call for some patients from the Derwentside area of County Durham.

Pharmacy First has been developed by Derwentside Primary Care Trust and local pharmacists to treat patients who are suffering from minor conditions.

The scheme will free up GPs to deal with patients who have more serious problems.

If successful, there are plans to expand the service.

Minor conditions to be covered by Pharmacy First could range from head lice and thrush to cold symptoms, all of which can be treated without the need to see a doctor.

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

Due to be piloted for three months, the scheme got off the ground yesterday.

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

Any patient who is does not have to pay for their prescriptions and is registered with one of the participating practices can use the scheme.

Under the rules of the initiative, patients taking part must have proof that they are registered with one of the two practices or obtain a form, proving their registration, from their GPs surgery.

Lee Middleton, of Derwentside Primary Care Trust's 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 unecessary 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, of the Cedars Medical Group, said: "We see this scheme as being a benefit to both patients and the GP surgeries involved.