Reports that PCTs are scrapping minor ailments schemes in a bid to cut costs (C+D, July 24/31, Minor ailment schemes fall prey to PCT cost cuts) says more about the asymmetry of primary healthcare funding than it does about the value of the schemes themselves.

Minor ailments schemes save the patient time and ease the burden on GPs, who on average spend more than an hour a day dealing with these conditions.

Pharmacist consultations cost less than the equivalent consultation with a doctor, but because most schemes in England trigger payments on a per consultation basis the assumption is that they represent an incremental cost for the PCT.

Research by PAGB and IMS suggests that £2 billion of resources are devoted annually to the treatment of minor ailments, with over 51 million GP consultations taking place each year being solely for a minor ailment discussion. If patients with these conditions can be directed to the most appropriate healthcare professional there will be benefits both for the patient and to the exchequer.

The new NHS white paper promises new contracts for pharmacists and GPs alike designed to reward outcomes rather than clinical inputs. That is to be welcomed as it will reveal the convenience, quality of care and speed of treatment patients experience when they present to their pharmacist with a minor ailment.

In the meantime, the sudden outbreak of short-termism being practiced by some PCTs provokes an earnest case of head scratching. Perhaps I should see my doctor about that?

Andy Murdock, pharmacy director, Lloydspharmacy