Tired of waiting for a doctor?
Your local pharmacist has the expertise to advise on minor ailments
WE all get frustrated when we can’t get through to our GP surgery or have to wait for an appointment.
But you could help change that. Research shows that 27% of general practice appointments1 could be treated more effectively elsewhere in the NHS – freeing up 15-20 million appointments every year.
NHS England has launched a national campaign, Stay Well Pharmacy, to encourage everyone to use their local pharmacy as the first point of call for clinical advice and self-care treatment before heading to the GP or A&E.
You can get expert advice for minor health concerns, such as coughs, colds and tummy troubles – saving time and protecting vital services for those who most need them.
Each year there are around 18 million1 GP appointments and 2.1 million1 visits to A&E for self-treatable conditions, costing the NHS around £850m.
Only 6% of parents1 with children under five would consider going to their pharmacist about a minor health concern – 35%1 would opt for the GP and 5%1 would choose A&E.
QUALIFIED
Yet 79% of adults6 say they are aware that pharmacists are qualified healthcare professionals who could give advice on most common illnesses.
Steve Howard, Superintendent Pharmacist for LloydsPharmacy, says: “Pharmacists are highly qualified healthcare professionals who have a wealth of advice to offer patients with everyday health concerns.
“Whether you have a cold, insect bite or diarrhoea, your local pharmacist can offer advice and recommend suitable treatments.”
TRAINED
Your local pharmacist is highly trained and able to provide expert advice on all minor ailments and everyday healthcare.
By making your pharmacy your first port of call for self-treatable conditions, you’ll not only save time but you’ll help the NHS to use its resources for those who need it most.
But just when should you visit your GP and what can a pharmacist help with?
Here we look at the facts with LloydsPharmacy…