Local NHS teams are encouraging people across the area to make use of Pharmacy First and simple self-care steps to help them stay well during the winter months.
Under Pharmacy First, community pharmacists can now assess, advise and provide treatment, including prescription-only medicines, for several common conditions such as earache, sore throat, sinusitis, shingles and uncomplicated urinary tract infections. This gives people fast, convenient access to care without needing to visit their GP for minor illnesses.
The NHS is also reminding the public about the importance of self-care. Keeping basic items at home, such as paracetamol, cold and flu remedies, rehydration salts and a digital thermometer, can help people manage symptoms early and avoid their condition worsening.
Brigit Chesworth, Specialty Registrar in Public Health, said “Pharmacies are an essential part of our NHS and can provide quick, expert advice for many winter illnesses. By choosing Pharmacy First or using simple self-care at home, people can get the right support when they need it — while helping our urgent and emergency care services remain available for those who are seriously unwell.”
Members of the public are also encouraged to use NHS 111 online for advice on where to go with their urgent health concerns, and to order repeat prescriptions ahead of time via the NHS App, especially before bank holidays.
Local NHS teams are encouraging people across the area to make use of Pharmacy First and simple self-care steps to help them stay well during the winter months.
Under Pharmacy First, community pharmacists can now assess, advise and provide treatment, including prescription-only medicines, for several common conditions such as earache, sore throat, sinusitis, shingles and uncomplicated urinary tract infections. This gives people fast, convenient access to care without needing to visit their GP for minor illnesses.
The NHS is also reminding the public about the importance of self-care. Keeping basic items at home, such as paracetamol, cold and flu remedies, rehydration salts and a digital thermometer, can help people manage symptoms early and avoid their condition worsening.
Brigit Chesworth, Specialty Registrar in Public Health, said “Pharmacies are an essential part of our NHS and can provide quick, expert advice for many winter illnesses. By choosing Pharmacy First or using simple self-care at home, people can get the right support when they need it — while helping our urgent and emergency care services remain available for those who are seriously unwell.”
Members of the public are also encouraged to use NHS 111 online for advice on where to go with their urgent health concerns, and to order repeat prescriptions ahead of time via the NHS App, especially before bank holidays.