The NHS in Leeds is reminding the public that your local pharmacy can give you advice and treatment for mild illnesses this winter.
By discussing minor conditions and illnesses with a pharmacy team, you are helping to free up GP and hospital services for the people that need them the most.
Pharmacists are trained medical professionals who can give you free, confidential advice and treatment on a wide range of conditions such as cold, cough, earache, sore throat, athletes foot, thrush, hay fever, blocked nose, sprains or strains, sexual health advice, hangovers, rashes and other skin complaints.
Pharmacists can suggest treatments that do not need a prescription for a range of conditions.
Most pharmacies can also offer prescription medicine for some conditions, without you needing to see a GP or make an appointment.
Sobia Qureshi, Advanced Pharmacist for the Medicines Optimisation Team at the NHS West Yorkshire Integrated Care Board says:
“We urge you to choose the right service this winter because it makes sure that emergency services are there for the people that need them the most. It also gets you the right care as quickly as possible.
“If you have a non-urgent illness like a cold, cough, sore throat, earache, blocked nose this winter, we can give you advice and treatment.
“It’s always worth asking your pharmacist before it gets worse.
“You do not need an appointment and we can also prescribe medicines for some conditions.
“You can also get confidential sexual health advice, like the contraceptive pill without a prescription or emergency contraception.
“Your pharmacist can also help you with over-the-counter medicines such as paracetamol or cold medicines so you can rest at home and get better.
“Finally, please remember that pharmacies will have limited opening hours over the Christmas and New year and many will be closed on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Years Day. Please try to order any repeat prescriptions by Monday 16 December to be sure you have them in time for the Christmas bank holidays.”
Notes for editors
To find out when to visit a pharmacy, you can visit the NHS website https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/pharmacies/how-pharmacies-can-help/
You can also find a pharmacy near you here Find a pharmacy – NHS
Please note that your pharmacy may have different opening times over the Christmas and New Year period. Order your prescription medication by 16 December if possible, and collect in advance before the holidays if you need to.