Public encouraged to 'think pharmacy first' this winter to avoid further strain on NHS

Watch more of our videos on Shots!
and live on Freeview channel 276

Health teams across the North East are urging people, with minor health concerns, to get faster 'walk-in' care at their local community pharmacy – instead of making an appointment with their GP practice.

Under the common conditions scheme, community pharmacists can offer help and advice on:

Aches and pains - back pain, headache, period pain, teething
Allergies - bites and stings, hay fever, skin reaction
Colds and flu – cough, congestion, sore throat, fever / temperature (including fever following immunisation)
Ear care – earache, ear infection, ear wax
Eye care - bacterial conjunctivitis, styes
Gastrointestinal care – diarrhoea, constipation, indigestion, haemorrhoids (piles)
Head lice
Mouth care - cold sores, oral thrush, ulcers
Skin care - athletes foot, contact dermatitis / atopic eczema, nappy rash, warts, and verrucae.
Vaginal thrush

Read South Tyneside's news on the go with our free email newsletters - bringing the headlines to your inbox. Catch up on the day's news and sport and enjoy even more from your Gazette. Visit our website here to find out more and sign up.

Ewan Maule, director of medicines, North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care Board (ICB) said: "Many people often go to their GP, or local hospital, for things that could easily be sorted much more quickly and easily by visiting their local pharmacy first instead.

"Pharmacists are highly trained health experts who can provide a wide range of advice on the best ways to treat many common conditions like coughs, colds, sore throats, upset stomachs and general aches and pains.

"It’s also important to remember that you don’t need an appointment to see a pharmacist - you can just 'walk-in' so it really is much more convenient for many people, especially parents with young children, to get the care they need quickly – and if you need further help your pharmacist can signpost you to the right NHS services for your needs."

Treatment under the common conditions scheme is fast, convenient, and any medication prescribed will be free of charge for people who don’t normally pay for their prescriptions, or charged at the usual NHS prescription rate for those who do.

He added: "We want to ensure that everyone gets the best care possible.

"Anyone with a serious concern about their health should still seek advice from their doctor but for people with less serious, or non-urgent health problems, going to a GP or hospital may not be the right place for the care they need - being seen quickly by a local pharmacist can get them the right care, in the right place to help them feel better faster."

Many local community pharmacies also offer free blood pressure checks for over 40s and flu and COVID-19 immunisations as well as advice and treatment for women, aged 16-64, with uncomplicated urinary tract infections – this scheme has already benefited over 26,00 women across the region offering them a quick and convenient way to get treatment.

More information on the common conditions service is available at: https://northeastnorthcumbria.nhs.uk/here-to-help-campaigns/common-conditions/

People are being encouraged to 'think pharmacy first' this winter to avoid strain on GPs and hospitals