Pharmacy pilot offers city centre patients 'mini A&E'

A WALK-in pharmacy which acts as a miniature accident and emergency has opened in the centre of town.

The pilot project is designed to take the heat off the city's main casualty wards and encourage people to get minor ailments checked out when they wouldn't bother going to their GP.

The Boots Shandwick Place set-up is one of two schemes in the Capital, with the second project open in The Inch.

Among the issues addressed by the pharmacists are skin infections, chest complaints and other less serious conditions. In addition, if the pharmacy is unable to treat the patient they can be instantly referred to somewhere more appropriate.

Pat Murray, NHS Lothian's director of pharmacy, said: "This is a welcome addition to our Pharmore pilot project.

"The ability to drop in and get health advice and medication from community pharmacists will I am sure be welcomed in Lothian."

The pharmacy in Boots on Shandwick Place is open between 4-7pm on weekdays, and 11am-4pm at weekends.