Minor ailment scheme thoughts?

[Oobis]

This has been in the news recently, essentially, minor conditions can be treated by a pharmacist who can supply medication for the price of a prescription rather than you paying retail price (think calpol and similar). Therefore, items like this for people who don't pay for prescriptions can be supplied free of charge.
I'm amazed at the strength and variety of feelings amongst my peer group. Some think it's fabulous and they weren't aware, but others say if you can afford to buy this stuff, you should buy it and save the nhs some money. What are your thoughts? Obviously this is not a means tested scheme - should you use it if you could afford to buy or do you think as childrens' prescriptions are free that it is ok to get this stuff for free?
I'm not trying to start a fight, I'm just interested in your thoughts. www.nhs.uk/Livewell/Pharmacy/Pages/Commonconditions.aspx

unlucky yes I used to work in a chemist and the owner forced me to push it on everyone possible, even if they just wanted a quick 19p packet of paracetamol. Had to ask if they were on benefits/ pregnant etc it was awful.

He then claimed the cost price 8p paracetamol back from the gov at extortionate rates.

I only use it if ifs something I can't really buy otc or if I'm nipping in with no money/ access to a cashline.

That said its probably a godsend for those on the breadline and i've seen the relief on some parents faces when I told them they could have it on script for free.

Hmm. I can see how this really could help some people and result in savings in the long run (perhaps encouraging people who might hold off on buying medicines due to the cost and then perhaps needing more NHS help further down the line?). There have certainly been times in the past few years where being ill has been doubly troubling because the cost even of a couple of prescriptions plus a few over-the-counter medications would push me way over budget.

That said, nowadays I am more able to pay and would happily do so. BUT I think this scheme is very good for enabling pharmacists to prescribe things for ailments that would otherwise need a script from the doctors. I've recently moved to Scotland and had a UTI a while back - got a prescription from the doctor for antibiotics and went to pick it up from the village pharmacist and he said if it happened again he could prescribe it himself. Small village with a large elderly population so a big help for people to be able to pop to the pharmacist a street down than to have to get out to the GPs.

That's interesting about the pharmacist getting more money for offering this...
I have a quandary - I want to support our local pharmacy. It is essential, or at least very important, for especially older people here....and convenient - the nearest alternative would be a 10+ mile round trip and involve paying for parking etc.
I would feel uncomfortable to insist on paying - especially now I know it is seems they will make more money from this than by selling otc...
All I can say is I'm thankful that my DCs are older (and fingers crossed will continue to be worm free )
I 100% wouldn't use it in Boots or another big pharmacy though ...locally I think a bit trickier...

Unlucky the service is not intended to switch patients from over the counter sales; any pharmacist who does would be working outside the terms of the service agreement - bad practice should be picked up during post payment verification checks and dealt with accordingly.

As for being paid more - pharmacists are being paid to provide a service that goes beyond an ordinary sale. Fees paid are far less than a GP, out of hours or A&E appointment, the fee covers the time taken to provide the service and complete the mounds of paperwork and GP notifications that are often required.

I think it's a great scheme for those who need it. I wouldn't use it simply because we don't need to. But I think it's a great scheme nonetheless.

I'm pregnant so currently get free treatment as does DD (being under 16yo). Personally we buy generic kids paracetamol and ibuprofen from the supermarket because I'd rather not take a sick kid out to the pharmacy just to get a 'free' bottle. We'd rather have a bottle in the cupboard to use at 2am!

From what I've read about, the pharmacist should ask to see the child and will only prescribe what's needed anyway, so it shouldn't be a way to get unlimited bottles of kids medicines.

However, if I popped in to the pharmacy for advice with DD, e.g. she suffers with blocked ears sometimes, I would be delighted to save on making a GP appointment and would accept a free prescription for appropriate meds because DD is a child and eligible. I think that's probably how the scheme is meant to be used... when needed and to take the pressure of GP appointments if the problem is minor or advice needed. Not every time you run out of kids paracetamol.