Pharmacy first call from health chiefs

PEOPLE battling winter bugs are being urged to make more use of local pharmacists to ease pressure on GPs.

Service commissioners for healthcare in the borough are highlighting the expertise of pharmacists and reminding families over the counter advice and remedies can be called on when doctors’ surgeries are shut - with no appointment necessary.

Dr James Ogle, local GP in Leicestershire, said: “Pharmacists are a vital part of the NHS and I always advise patients to make full use of them. People don’t always realise how much they do to improve the health and wellbeing of their local communities and how much support and advice they can offer.

“If you have a minor ailment they will be able to offer you advice and treatment, or if they think it could be more serious, they will signpost you to the right NHS services.”

With the Easter holidays looming the call is being seen as time appropriate. GP practices will close at their normal time on Thursday March 29 and will not open again until April 2 after the bank holiday.

The NHS England website will have details of which pharmacies will be open over the bank holiday. For more urgent medical needs, please call NHS 111 or, if it is a serious or life-threatening emergency, call 999.