Families urged to try pharmacy for minor ills

DESPITE most people starting the new year with a health drive to cut down on alcohol, maybe stop smoking or even take more exercise, people do still suffer from minor ailments.

When it comes to getting quick, convenient medical advice, remember the community pharmacy is usually right on the doorstep.

Your community pharmacy is a one-stop-shop for such ailments and illnesses including the common cold, sore throat, cold sores, stomach upset, indigestion and many more common problems.

Therefore, people in Newcastle, North Tyneside and Northumberland are being encouraged by the North East NHS to Think Pharmacy First this year.

The scheme is helping to remind local people that community pharmacies in their neighbourhood can help.

Think Pharmacy First offers patients who qualify for free prescriptions – due to low income – the choice of going straight to their pharmacist for a consultation, advice, and if appropriate, treatment.

The local NHS is reminding families of the benefits of the local pharmacy for over-the-counter medicine, advice and support for a range of conditions which don’t persist.

The campaign was launched in 2009 by NHS North of Tyne, working on behalf of Newcastle and North Tyneside Primary Care Trusts and Northumberland Care Trust and all local pharmacies are participating.

Austin Fleming, pharmacist at Lynemouth Pharmacy in Northumberland, said: “Think Pharmacy First aims to give patients in Newcastle, North Tyneside and Northumberland – who receive free prescriptions due to low income – greater choice and faster access to treatment for minor ailments.

“The scheme offers patients who qualify the choice of going directly to see their pharmacist, without an appointment, for a consultation where they will be given advice and free over-the-counter medicine, where appropriate, to treat minor ailments. They will be referred to a GP where necessary.

“People entitled to the Think Pharmacy First scheme are those on a low income or those aged over 60.

“They can pop into the pharmacy any time they require advice on symptoms and tell a member of staff that they want to be seen under the Think Pharmacy First scheme.

“Then they can then have a private consultation, just like they would at their GP surgery and find out if there is a remedy available in the pharmacy that they can have for free, there and then. It’s a much quicker way to get help.

“Some minor ailments can be more prevalent during certain seasons.

A good example is the common cold in winter, which many people seek treatment for.

“In the past patients with minor ailments who were entitled to free prescriptions may have made an appointment to see their GP for a prescription, and then subsequently visited their community pharmacy to pick up their prescribed medication. But now you may not need two appointments, when a visit to your local pharmacist is much quicker.”

Dr Mike Guy, medical director for NHS North of Tyne, is reminding people that many winter ailments can be treated with the advice of the pharmacist without the need to see a doctor.

He said: “Think Pharmacy First is an excellent way to get access to advice and medicines without the need to make a GP appointment. Pharmacists are experts in the use of medicines and can give you free advice and treatment straight away.

“If patients choose the right health services it ensures they get the treatment they need in the shortest possible time, reducing the demand for GP appointments and freeing up GP time for people with more serious health concerns.”

If you are unsure whether you are entitled to be treated through the Think Pharmacy First scheme, call into your local pharmacy for further guidance.