Parents urged to use pharmacies

PARENTS and carers are being urged to go to their local pharmacy over minor health concerns for children under five.

NHS England says community pharmacists and their teams are highly trained professionals and can give appropriate clinical and practical advice or over-the-counter medicines for complaints such as: sore throats, coughs, colds, stomach troubles, teething problems and aches and pains.

Pharmacists have undergone five years of training and are qualified to assess symptoms and manage minor illnesses. They will recommend the best course of treatment or provide reassurance for when a minor illness will get better.

If symptoms suggest it is something more serious, pharmacists will direct people to the most appropriate healthcare service to receive the help they need.

Matt Auckland, a pharmacist and pharmacy clinical advisor for NHS England in Yorkshire and the Humber, said: “Community pharmacists work closely with their local communities and are a great resource for anyone needing help, advice or support.

“Your local community pharmacist is trained in managing minor illness and can assess symptoms and recommend the best course of treatment or may simply provide free advice and reassurance.

“If symptoms indicate there is a more serious problem they have the right clinical training to advise on the urgency and ensure people get the help they need.”

Many pharmacies also have a consultation room which patients can ask to use if they want to discuss their concerns privately.

To find your nearest pharmacy and see its opening times visit nhs.uk/service-search.