Lancaster district chemist shops do much more than supplying medicines
People across the North West are being encouraged to make more use of the expert advice and NHS services available from their local community pharmacy as part of Ask Your Pharmacist Week.
Running from November 2 to 9, this year’s Ask Your Pharmacist Week has the theme “NHS services close to home” and aims to raise awareness of the growing range of healthcare available through community pharmacies.
As the NHS heads into the busy winter period, NHS England in the North West is reminding people that pharmacists and their teams can provide convenient access to healthcare, helping people get the right support in their own communities.
The national campaign is highlighting services including Pharmacy First, NHS blood pressure checks, flu vaccinations and oral contraception, alongside the wider advice and support available from pharmacy teams.
Through Pharmacy First, community pharmacists can also provide clinical advice and, where appropriate, treatment for seven common conditions: sinusitis, sore throat, earache, infected insect bites, impetigo, shingles and uncomplicated urinary tract infections in women within the eligible age groups.
Community pharmacy already makes a significant contribution to patient care across the region with over 300,000 pharmacy first consultations taking place this year alone, up to the end of July.
Dr Paula Cowan, GP and regional medical director for Primary Care, Community and Neighbourhoods at NHS England North West, said: “Community pharmacy teams are a vital part of the NHS and this week is a great opportunity to recognise the important role they play in keeping people across the North West well. They are about much more than supplying medicines.
"They help people prevent ill health, manage existing conditions and get treatment and advice quickly and conveniently.
“Your local pharmacist is a highly trained healthcare professional who can offer expert advice and support with a wide range of health concerns, often without the need to see your GP first.
“As we head into winter, we want people to think pharmacy when they need help. Whether it’s getting advice about a common condition, having your blood pressure checked or accessing other NHS services, your local pharmacy can be an easy and convenient place to start.”
People can find their local pharmacy and information about pharmacy services at https://www.nhs.uk/