The Sentinel

‘Patients are often unaware of the services we provide’

Sanjeev Panesar, 36, from Pan Pharmacy in Sheldon, Birmingham, is keen to spread the word

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“A lot of health issues are seasonal, so we might see coughs and colds through the winter, and hayfeverre­lated issues in the spring or summer. Otherwise, the things we deal with could be anything from sportsrela­ted injuries to diarrhoea, dental problems, earache and issues with eyesight. It’s so varied, and could relate to anything from head to toe.

“Patients are often unaware of the services you can get from a pharmacy. That’s why we are keen to educate people about the whole healthcare system. Pharmacist­s have regular contact with patients and, in a way, we are a jack of all trades. We deal with so many issues that we know when we need to direct someone to, say, a doctor or an optician, or when we can deal with it ourselves.

“Patients often go to their GP initially, but in many cases their issue could be dealt with by a pharmacist. There’s no need to make an appointmen­t.

“It’s quick, easy and accessible and we will be

We deal with so many issues that we know when to direct someone to, say, a doctor or dentist, or when we can deal with it ourselves

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