This November, NHS England is encouraging people in North Yorkshire and the Humber and, in particular, parents and carers of children under the age of five, to visit their local community pharmacy for helpful advice about a range of minor health concerns such as: sore throats, coughs, colds, tummy troubles, teething problems and aches and pains.

Community pharmacists and their teams are highly trained healthcare professionals and can give appropriate clinical and practical advice or over-the-counter medicines to help safely manage minor health issues.

Pharmacists have undergone five years of training and are qualified to assess symptoms and manage minor illnesses. They will recommend the best course of treatment or provide reassurance for when a minor illness will get better. If symptoms suggest it is something more serious, pharmacists will direct people to the most appropriate healthcare service to receive the help they need.

Matt Auckland, a pharmacist and Pharmacy Clinical Advisor for NHS England in Yorkshire and the Humber said: “Community pharmacists work closely with their local communities and are a great resource for anyone needing help, advice or support.

“Your local community pharmacist is trained in managing minor illness and can assess symptoms and recommend the best course of treatment or may simply provide free advice and reassurance.

“If symptoms indicate there is a more serious problem they have the right clinical training to advise on the urgency and ensure people get the help they need.”

With most people living close to a pharmacy and with many pharmacies offering extended opening hours at weekends and in the evenings, even on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve, pharmacy teams offer fast and convenient clinical support with no appointment needed.

Many pharmacies also have a consultation room which patients can ask to use if they want to discuss their concerns privately.

To find your nearest pharmacy and see its opening times visit: https://www.nhs.uk/service-search