PATIENTS across Hywel Dda Health Board have been urged by an Aberporth pharmacist to avoid A&E for minor issues.

Richard Evans, said the new Triage and Treat scheme, which sees pharmacies offer treatment for a range of issues, could save patients travelling long distances and ease pressure on A&E departments.

The scheme is part of the health board’s Choose Well campaign which encourages patients with min­or issues to avoid attending at A&E and instead attend at pharmacies or GP surgeries.

The Aberporth pharmacy is one of a string that is operating the Triage and Treat scheme along the coastal area and Richard said it had proven successful in ensuring patients were not forced to travel long distances to attend A&E departments when treatment could be provided elsewhere.

He said: “We can treat anyone with a minor injury, which is classified as abrasions, minor wounds, sprains, minor burns and minor foreign bodies.

“Anything that we can treat competently, we will, but if people need to go to their GP or A&E then we can refer them on.

“In Pembrokeshire during the summer I dealt with two children who had suffered jellyfish stings.”