PATIENTS contacting their GP surgery for help and support for a range of minor ailments in North East Hampshire and Farnham could access treatment faster thanks to receptionists receiving special training to screen patients.

People visiting or calling their surgery to request appointments for certain health concerns could now be asked some extra questions by surgery staff. The responses will enable staff to guide patients to the most appropriate service.

NHS North East Hampshire and Farnham Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG), which plans and funds the majority of health services for the area’s 225,000 registered patients, has been working with GP surgeries to improve patient access.

Training was provided for staff at GP surgeries so that they are able to ask patients questions on some common ailments, in order to be able to direct them to the right service.

The 10 chosen ailments are: Head lice, conjunctivitis, hay fever, urinary tract infections and cystitis, vomiting and diarrhoea, coughs and colds, sprains and strains, bites and stings, dental pain, verrucas and athlete’s foot.

Dr Peter Bibawy, acting clinical chair of the CCG, said: “People will not always need to see a GP and there will be times when another healthcare professional, for example a pharmacist, is best-placed to help them.

“This is about making better use of existing resources to create a more efficient local health system that gives our patients a high-quality service, a great patient experience and positive results.”

Receptionists have been trained to guide patients, following strict guidance. Patients can still request to see a doctor even if directed to a pharmacy.

• Patients are also being asked for their views to help develop the next wave of community health services for North East Hampshire and Farnham.

Users of a range of health services can share their experiences and thoughts, all of which will be used by NHS planners to improve the services available.

Dr Karl Bennett, clinical director for community services at the NHS North East Hampshire and Farnham CCG, said: “Over the past few years we have been changing the way local health services are delivered, looking to support people in their homes or communities more and reduce the amount of time they spend in hospital.

“To be able to support this system, we need to make sure that we have high-quality, robust community services in place and now that we are reviewing the services, we need local people to tell us what works and what we need to improve.”

The survey is running until the end of August and can be accessed online at www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/L67BQFJ .

A number of engagement events will also be run to discuss specific services. Anyone interested can indicate this in the survey.