PHARMACISTS are regularly described as the most accessible health professionals, and this mantle is expected to ring truer than ever when the British Open Golf Championships take place in Northern Ireland this coming Jul.
One medical clinic near the Royal Portrush Golf Course in County Antrim, where the tournament will be held, has warned patients it will be offering restricted services over the course of the four-day tournament.
"Due to severe parking and waiting restrictions imposed during The Open golf week, please be aware we are only able to offer a limited service for patients," a spokesperson for the beleaguered clinic told the Belfast Telegraph.
"The GPs will endeavour to ensure all patients requiring immediate and necessary treatment will be cared for to the best of our ability.
"Unfortunately all review and routine appointments will have to be suspended for this week."
The announcement has prompted concerns that local hospitals' emergency departments could be flooded with patients seeking treatment for minor ailments.
However, nearby pharmacists have been identified as potential saviours, with the district's Health and Social Care Board suggesting that telephone triage services could be set up, along with prescription pick-ups from pharmacies seen as one possible way to keep sick Northern Irish people away from the world's best golfers.
The above article was sent to subscribers in Pharmacy Daily's issue from 16 May 19
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