A pilot pharmacy service in south Pembrokeshire, believed to be the first in Wales, has helped ease pressure on the NHS.

The Triage and Treat service, operating in two community pharmacies in Tenby and Saundersfoot, has been brought in by the Hywel Dda health board to cope with the influx of summer visitors.

The area is now without a minor injury unit and also has a staff shortage in Tenby doctors’ surgery.

A health board spokesman said that 21 people - 15 visitors and six local residents - have been seen by the new service, which caters for those with a ‘low level’ injury. Severe sunburn and insect and jellyfish strings are amongst the ailments treated so far.

“If this service had not been available, 13 said they would have presented at a local medical practice and five would have gone to A&E,” he added.

The Triage and Treat service is being offered at The Pharmacy on The Strand in Saundersfoot and Glen Pharmacy, Gas Lane, Tenby on weekdays and Saturday mornings.

Patients have praised the ‘very good’ and ‘excellent and sympathetic service’, and Saundersfoot pharmacist John Patel said: “People are often not aware of what services a pharmacy can offer, and we can help out with many ailments instantly instead of them having to wait for a GP appointment.

“The Triage and Treat is proving successful, and we would encourage people to pop in and see us.”

The health board’s assistant director of primary care, Elaine Lorton, said: “We are delighted that both the patients and pharmacies are seeing the benefit of this new service.

The British Red Cross summer service is also running daily in Tenby Cottage Hospital until September 7, and the health board has assured it ‘continues to work with GPs to help address their current recruitment issues’.