Feeling under the weather? Your community pharmacy can help!

8 February 2010

Do you have a cold you can't shake off? Maybe you have an irritating cough that just won't go away? Help is at hand - in the shape of your local community pharmacy.

NHS Norfolk is urging people to contact their pharmacist if they're suffering with sneezes and sniffles this winter. Pharmacists can offer help and advice on a range of conditions, to enable people to treat themselves at home.

Ian Small, deputy head of prescribing and medicines management at NHS Norfolk, said: “At this time of year coughs and colds are common. In the search for treatment, your pharmacist should be your first port of call rather than your GP. A pharmacist can give prompt and professional advice, and may provide you with over-the-counter medicines to help your condition."

Chris Ball, of the Norfolk Local Pharmacy Committee and manager of Hurn Chemist in Unthank Road, Norwich, added: “We are keen to promote the varied services of community pharmacies. If the staff feel it appropriate they will refer patients to their GP, so if you need help remember to ask your pharmacist first."

The call to see your pharmacist is part of NHS Norfolk's "Choose Well" campaign. Launched this winter, the initiative aims to help people find the most appropriate care for their condition, whether it is a cough and a cold or a broken bone.

A thermometer logo signposts the way:

1. The first option is self care - many minor illnesses can be treated with rest and a well-stocked medicines cabinet at home. Make sure you have your regular medicines, plasters, medicines for colds, re-hydration sachets etc. If you have any concerns you can call NHS Direct on 0845 46 47.

2. Pharmacists will be able to offer you some advice about over-the-counter medicines - such as those for common winter conditions like coughs and colds.

3. If you have a minor injury or illness that needs treatment you should call your GP. Remember the Out of Hours service is for urgent problems only, can it wait until morning?

4. If you need to be seen immediately but you do not have a serious illness or injury, you can access the Timber Hill Health Centre in Castle Mall, Norwich (7am-9pm) or the Minor Injuries Unit at Cromer from 8am-8pm. Both are open 365 days a year.

Pharmacy opening times can be found at www.norfolk.nhs.uk, on the NHS Choices website www.nhs.uk, or you can call NHS Direct for details of pharmacy services available in your area on 0845 46 47.

Ian Small added: "There are 119 community pharmacies across NHS Norfolk's area, so people throughout the county have access to over-the-counter medicines. We would urge them to make use of this valuable facility."