News
Pharmacy First Sore Throat Service Winter 2025/2026
Pharmacy First Sore Throat Service will continue to be available from some community pharmacies until 31st March 2026.
This service will facilitate the assessment and treatment of people with symptoms of sore throat aged 5 years and over. All patients will receive self-care advice. When treatment with antibiotics is deemed to be appropriate this will be provided by a Pharmacist Independent Prescriber working in the pharmacy.
Please do not attend this serive if you have signs and symptoms suggesting alternative diagnosis such as cough, cold, chest infection, sinusitis or otitis media.
Waiting List Reimbursement Scheme
This scheme will be available to patients waiting two years or more on a hospital treatment waiting list in NI. Patients will require prior approval from the Department of Health before accessing the scheme.
Full details about the scheme including eligibility, how to apply and frequently asked
questions can be accessed via the Waiting List Reimbursement Scheme webpage below:-
https://online.hscni.net/our-work/travelfortreatment/wl-reimbursement/
Changes to the Childhood Vaccination Schedule 2025
Please be aware the changes to the childhood vaccination schedule will come into effect from Tuesday 1 July 2025.
Please see the changes here: Changes to the Childhood Vaccination Schedule 2025
Patient & Client Council (PCC)
For more information please visit website:
www.pcc-ni.net
Improving your experience as a Patient
From 1 July 24, Mid Ulster Health Care will be using Accurx to communicate to our patients.
Accurx is an NHS approved software provider which conforms to all security requirements as set out by NHS bodies and UK Government. Accurx transmits and stores patient data in encrypted form. This means nobody else can read it without the correct credentials. Accurx is an easy to use platform allowing our healthcare professionals and our patients to communicate more efficiently.
The Practice will be using Accurx for the following:
- To send patients SMS text messages allowing the Practice to communicate with patients quickly.
- To send patients Patient Information Leaflets for self care and links to information about important Clinical Conditions.
- To request patients to send appropriate photographs of certain conditions (e.g skin lesions/sore throats/rashes......). The Practice will send you a link so that the clinician dealing with your care can access this in a timely manner.
- To send patients appointment reminders.
- To invite patients to vaccination and other clinic appointments.
- To complete Patient Questionnaires.
- To receive video calls to avoid unnecessary travel.
Page created: 06 March 2025