Struggling with a cough, cold or other minor ailment this winter?
The good news is that community pharmacists are highly qualified healthcare professionals, who can offer clinical advice and over the counter medicines to effectively and safely manage a range of minor health concerns, such as coughs, colds, sore throats, tummy troubles, aches and pains and many more.
Fast, convenient and expert service
As part of the NHS ‘Help Us, Help You’ initiative, we're highlighting how local pharmacy teams offer a fast and convenient clinical service for minor health concerns with no appointment needed and use of a private consultation room if required. And, if symptoms suggest it’s something more serious, pharmacists have the right training to ensure you get the help you need immediately. They can also refer you to a GP or Emergency Department if necessary.
Reasons to use your pharmacist for minor ailments
- Community pharmacists are qualified healthcare professionals who can offer expert advice and over the counter medicines to effectively and safely manage a range of minor health concerns, such as coughs, colds, sore throats, tummy troubles, aches and pains and many more.
- If symptoms suggest it’s something more serious, pharmacists have the right training to make sure you get the help you need immediately and can refer patients to a GP or Emergency Department where necessary.
- Community pharmacists offer a more convenient, quicker way to obtain clinical advice on minor health concerns, and can consult with patients in a private consultation room with no need for an appointment.
- Most people live within easy reach of a pharmacy, there are around 11,700 locations in England and many offer extended opening hours in the evenings and at the weekends. Find your nearest pharmacy.
Community pharmacies in England provide a service to around 1.2 million people every day. Every pharmacist trains for five years in the use of medicines before they qualify and they are also trained in managing minor illnesses and providing health and wellbeing advice.
Don’t wait for minor health concerns to get worse – speak to your local pharmacy team to get advice right there and then. Help us, help you, before it gets worse.
