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<p>No assessment has been made of the potential cost-saving, time-saving or patient
benefits of using self-care in primary care settings.</p><p>Self-care is however an
integral part of the NHS Long Term Plan and the Community Pharmacy Contractual Framework
2019-24 five-year deal. All community pharmacies in England delivering services from
the National Health Service must provide support for self-care, including for minor
ailments. Under the five-year deal we have introduced the <strong>Community Pharmacist
Consultation Service enabling </strong>NHS 111 and general practitioners (GPs) to
refer patients with a minor illness to a community pharmacist for a consultation,
advice and support for self-care and, if necessary, an over-the-counter medicine.
The service can also provide an emergency supply of previously prescribed medicines.
From 15 May, urgent and emergency care settings will also be able to refer patients
to a community pharmacist for a consultation for a minor illness or urgent medicine
supply.</p><p>GPs are responsible for ensuring their own clinical knowledge remains
up-to-date and for identifying learning needs as part of their continuing professional
development. This activity should include taking account of new research and developments
in guidance, such as that produced by National Institute for Health and Care Excellence,
to ensure that they can continue to provide high quality care to all patients.</p><p>All
United Kingdom registered doctors are expected to meet the professional standards
set out in the General Medical Council’s (GMC) Good Medical Practice. In 2012 the
GMC introduced revalidation which supports doctors in regularly reflecting on how
they can develop or improve their practice, gives patients confidence that doctors
are up to date with their practice and promotes improved quality of care by driving
improvements in clinical governance.</p>
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