article_snippet: A fifth of patients turning up in A&E have self-treatable conditions including sore throats, athlete’s foot and head lice, a study has claimed.
article_snippet: The analysis of data from 15 A&E units by consultancy firm IMS Health found that 19 per cent of patients had what is called a ‘self-treatable condition’.
article_snippet: The analysis of data from 15 A&E units by consultancy firm IMS Health covered one in ten A&E units across England, so if the trends are mirrored across the country, then an estimated 4.1million of the 21.7million visits last year were for minor ailments.
article_snippet: Many go to A&E in the knowledge that they will at least be seen by a doctor that day, even if they have to wait four hours.
article_snippet: Now experts are urging patients to use local pharmacies, where patients can be offered advice and treatment.
article_snippet: Matthew Speers, from the Proprietary Association of Great Britain – which represents medicine manufacturers and commissioned the research – said:
article_snippet: Pharmacists are well placed to provide advice to people with minor conditions, ensuring Pharmacists get support without diverting NHS resources from people who really need Pharmacists.
article_snippet: Dr Mann, an A&E consultant at Musgrove Park Hospital in Taunton, Dorset, added that the ‘A&E brand is well-known and trusted’
article_snippet: patients will continue to attend.
article_snippet: If parents have an unwell child who needs medical attention A&E provides a trusted service.