As we mark ‘Ask Your Pharmacist Week 2023’ (30 October – 6 November), patients across the North East and Yorkshire are being encouraged to talk to a pharmacist if they need help for minor illnesses this winter.

Pharmacists are qualified healthcare professionals, who can offer clinical advice and over-the-counter medicines for a range of minor illnesses, such as coughs, colds, sore throats, tummy trouble and aches and pains.

They work closely with GPs and local health care teams to make sure patients get the best possible care. Many general practices are now able to refer patients with minor illnesses to pharmacists directly and encourage people to use them as their first port of call for advice.

Keith Kendall, Regional Senior Pharmacy Integration Lead at NHS England North East and Yorkshire, said: “Community Pharmacies are part of the NHS family and Pharmacists train for five years in the use of medicines to treat disease, and how to recognise and treat common illnesses.

“Importantly, they know how to spot the signs of serious illness and will refer people to a doctor or other suitable health care professional for a check-up or for treatment if necessary.”

In 2019, NHS England launched the NHS Community Pharmacist Consultation Service (CPCS) where patients are given appointments to see local community pharmacists instead of waiting for a GP appointment for some minor illnesses.

The service is aimed at improving access to services and providing more convenient treatment closer to patients’ homes. When the patient first contacts a GP practice, staff can make referrals to pharmacists to deal with some conditions.

Dr Faisel Baig, GP and Regional Medical Director for Primary Care, NHS England North East and Yorkshire, said: “While people will always be able to have a consultation with their family doctor when they need to, the NHS is giving people more options. Patients can get specialist support from a range of healthcare professionals without needing to see a GP first. General practice teams can refer patients with minor ailments and certain conditions to community pharmacies, where they will be seen and treated.

“Community pharmacists can give advice about managing ailments with over-the-counter medications meaning that people can be treated quickly. Of course, separate to the Community Pharmacist Consultation Service which relies on a referral being made, people can also walk into the local pharmacy and receive advice and treatment for a variety of different conditions.”

Most pharmacies have a private consultation room where patients can discuss issues with pharmacy staff without being overheard. Often, no appointment is needed; also, some are open during evenings and at weekends when other health services may be closed, and they may be easier to get to, with many in rural areas, on high streets, and in supermarkets.

We also want to remind people that community pharmacies offer a blood pressure check service. The service is open to people over the age of 40, who live in England and haven’t previously been confirmed as having high blood pressure. It’s completely free and you don’t need to see a GP.

For information on how to find a pharmacist close to you, visit Find a pharmacy – NHS (www.nhs.uk).

ENDS

Background:

• Ask Your Pharmacist Week is the flagship annual public awareness campaign for community pharmacy across the UK. AYP Week this year is 30 October – 6 November. This year the theme is ‘Meet Your Local Pharmacy Team’. For more information visit here.

For further information please call North East and Yorkshire media enquiries: 0773 038 1690 or email england.neymedia@nhs.net.