Coughs, colds, eye infections, earaches, itchy skin? Speak to your pharmacist first.
Healthcare professionals in Greater Manchester are reminding residents about how local pharmacies can help people with minor health concerns quickly and easily as part of Ask Your Pharmacist Week (1-8 November).
Coughs, colds, eye infections, earaches, itchy skin – these are just some of the conditions that can be treated by your local pharmacist, without an appointment.
‘Your local pharmacy can help’ is the theme of a new National Pharmacy Association (NPA) campaign which is raising awareness of the variety of problems that community (high street) pharmacy can address.
Pharmacists are trained healthcare professionals who can advise on best treatment for minor conditions and healthy lifestyle.
Luvjit Kandula, Director of Pharmacy Transformation at Greater Manchester Local Pharmaceutical Committee (LPC), said:
“Our many community pharmacists across all parts of Greater Manchester are experts in medicines and can help people with a variety of minor health concerns.
“As qualified healthcare professionals, we can offer clinical advice and over-the-counter medicines for a range of minor illnesses, such as coughs, colds, sore throats, tummy trouble and aches and pains. We can also advise and support with minor injuries and general health and wellbeing.
“We’re always ready to help and if a person’s symptoms suggest the problem is something more serious, we have the right training to make sure you get the help you need. This may be by referring you to another healthcare professional such as your GP practice, dentist, optometrist or another NHS service.”
You don’t need to make an appointment to see your pharmacist – just pop in. There is a pharmacy within 20 minutes’ walk of all Greater Manchester residents.
Along with clinical advice and prompt treatment for common illnesses, people can have their blood pressure checked, get advice on taking new medicines or receive guidance on changes to prescribed medication after leaving hospital.
Aneet Kapoor, owner and director of Kapoor Pharmacy Services, which operates in Whalley Range, Chorlton and Rochdale, as well the chair of the Greater Manchester Local Pharmacy Network at Greater Manchester Health and Social Care Partnership, said:
“With the obvious challenges that winter brings to our emergency departments (A&E) and general practice, it is always worth remembering that pharmacies are able to help in many circumstances – and you don’t have to make an appointment to do this.
“We work with other professionals, such as doctors and nurses, to give the best possible care as part of the local healthcare team.
“So, for NHS services, convenient access to medicines, support for healthy living and prompt clinical advice, be sure to ‘ask your pharmacist!’”
Some pharmacies open late and at weekends – visit www.nhs.uk/chemist to find out more.
