Help for unwell people at local pharmacies

People living in Monklands can get a wide range of help if they’re unwell this winter from their local community pharmacist.

Pharmacists across the area are delivering the NHS Pharmacy First Scotland service, designed to encourage everyone to visit their community pharmacy as the first port of call for all minor illnesses.

And as health services across Airdrie and Coatbridge remain under pressure, the organisation has expanded to cover a wider range of services and conditions.

For example, pharmacists can offer advice and provide medication if necessary for infections including bacterial skin infections and shingles in adults; minor cuts and burns; constipation or diarrhoea; acne and eczema; allergies, aches and pains; cystitis (in women); runny nose, coughs and sore throat; and indigestion.

Community pharmacies have also provided emergency contraception services for several years and an option for short term oral contraception in certain circumstances, is now also becoming widely available.

Speaking about the Pharmacy First service, George Lindsay, chief pharmacist of primary care, said: “It offers a way for local people to get treatment for a wide range of conditions that they might normally visit a nurse or doctor for – and often no appointment is necessary.

“Pharmacies are often easy to get to: we’re there to be used as a first port of call for all minor illnesses.

“So please drop in to your local community pharmacy for help and advice if you’re unwell this winter, unless the matter is really serious or life threatening.”

While GP surgeries across Lanarkshire remain open, pharmacists can provide the same support for many common conditions much faster, leaving GPS to care for more serious cases.

Residents can also call NHS 24 on 111 with any urgent questions or concerns, or they can find further details about services on NHS Inform at http://www. nhsinform.scot