What common conditions can people visit their community pharmacy for this winter?

People can visit pharmacies for a wide range of symptoms this winter. We have always provided advice for conditions such as the common cold, cough, flu, sore throats, ear infections, aches and pains and been able to suggest treatments which did not require a prescription. This year we can now also provide prescription only medicine without the need to see a GP if it is appropriate. This is for specific conditions and patient groups under a service called Pharmacy First.

The conditions we can offer prescription medicine for are:

• impetigo (aged 1 year and over)
• infected insect bites (aged 1 year and over)
• earache (aged 1 to 17 years)
• sore throat (aged 5 years and over)
• sinusitis (aged 12 years and over)
• urinary tract infections (UTIs) (women aged 16 to 64 years)
• shingles (aged 18 years and over)

When should people consider visiting their community pharmacy rather than their GP practice or other services?

When people are feeling unwell with any of the above Pharmacy First conditions they should check with their pharmacist if they can offer advice or treatments to help.

If we cannot help you, we can refer you onwards to either your GP or other healthcare professionals.

We can see you for various other minor illnesses where the symptoms are mild to moderate and been present for a short period of time. Remember we still have GPs, NHS111, Urgent Treatment Centres and Accident and Emergency departments.  but they should be reserved for the more serious illnesses and long-term conditions.

You may find that your GP or NHS 111 is offering you a referral to us – don’t worry, this is the new normal. Pharmacies across the country are expanding the conditions they can support you with so that you get the right care in the correct place and within a reasonable time frame.

 What do you enjoy most about working as a pharmacist within Community Pharmacy?

The rich variance in our day-to-day dealings. We have to be masters of multi-tasking which really keeps the grey matter ticking especially with current and future changes with regards to the role of community pharmacy on the horizon. Pharmacy to me plays an important role in the lives of everyone, be it a big or small part, it truly makes you feel a part of the community.

 Describe a recent occasion where you were really able to help a patient?

I recently saw an elderly patient of ours who came in with his wife to collect his medicine. He didn’t look like his normal self and on questioning him about his wellbeing, his wife told us that he had experienced a dizzy spell and fallen. He mentioned over the past few months he had been feeling much more tired than normal and he couldn’t be as active as before. I took him into our consultation room for a blood pressure check and noted his BP was very low. I referred him to his GP and subsequently his blood pressure medication was reduced. I saw him again last week and he was so grateful for the care he had received as he was back to his normal upbeat self – no more dizziness and tiredness.