A NEW 10-minute test to help identify the cause of a sore throat is being piloted in some Gwynedd pharmacies.

The scheme is also being trialled in other parts of North Wales to help community pharmacists direct people to the right treatment.

Around 35 pharmacies will offer the service which helps determine whether a sore throat is being caused by a viral or bacterial infection.

It means people will be able to get advice and treatment more quickly, without having to visit their GP.

The pharmacists will use a set of structured questions and possibly a swab test. If it the sore throat is due to a viral infection, which antibiotics will not treat, the pharmacist can offer appropriate advice for recovery.

If the test reveals to be a bacterial infection, will be able to provide antibiotics.

The pilot, which is also running in the Cwm Taf Health Board area, could be potentially rolled out across Wales, depending on its success.

The service is part of the Common Ailments Scheme, which encourages patients to visit community pharmacist rather than GPs for common ailments, such as sore throat, heartburn, conjunctivitis, thrush and threadworm.

Adam Mackridge, deputy head of Pharmacy for Primary and Community Care said: “This time of year sore throats are very common and are usually caused by minor illnesses such as colds and flu.

“Sore throats are very common and normally get better within seven to ten days. Most Sore Throats can be treated at home with medicines you have in your medicines cupboard, and don’t need advice from a healthcare professional.

“However, it’s a good idea to visit your pharmacist for advice if your symptoms are severe, your symptoms haven't started to improve after a week or you are unsure about your symptoms and how best to treat them.”

One of the first pharmacies to take part in the pilot is Fferyllwyr Llyn in Nefyn, Gwynedd.

Pharmacist Llyr Hughes said: “We see a lot of people who walk looking for treatment for a sore throat, and this treatment will really empower people to access the right care they need.

“Out of ten people who we see, I would expect only two or three of them to need antibiotics. By carrying out this test we can ensure we’re using antibiotics responsibly and challenging antimicrobial resistance.

“It also gives reassurance to people receiving the test that they’re being given the right advice and treatment. The test allows them to see exactly why they have a sore throat, so they can better understand why they have or haven’t been prescribed antibiotics.”

The scheme is available in pharmacies from Monday, January 28.

Gwynedd pharmacies trialling the scheme are:

High Street Blaenau Ffestiniog, 01766 830298, The Pharmacy Stryd Fawr Nefyn, Pwllheli, 01758 720214, The Pharmacy, Abersoch Road, Llanbedrog, 01758 740229, JA Davies CYF, High Street Criccieth, 01766 522198,

L Rowland & Co (Retail) Ltd, High Street Porthmadog, 01766 512745,

L Rowland & Co (Retail) Ltd, Castle Street Penrhyndeudraeth, 01766 770542,

L Rowland & Co (Retail) Ltd, The Pharmacy, Y Maes, Pwllheli, 01758 612656, Moelwyn Pharmacy Ltd, 24 High Street Blaenau Ffestiniog, 01766 830437.

For information on all pharmacies piloting the scheme see http://www.wales.nhs.uk/sitesplus/861/page/97954/