To mark Self-Care Week 2016 (14 – 20 November) NHS Sheffield Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) want to highlight the health expert on the High Street – the community pharmacist.

Pharmacists are fully qualified to advise you on the best course of action. They can offer expert advice and treatment for many common illnesses, such as aches and pains, colds and flu, itchy skin conditions and simple eye infections. You don’t need an appointment and many pharmacists have private consultation areas, so they are a good first port of call.

There are currently 52 million GP appointments and 3.7m A&E visits for common ailments, conditions which some people could have treated at home or with pharmacists’ advice.

Dr Zak McMurray, Medical Director for NHS Sheffield CCG and Sheffield GP said “Your local community pharmacist is a trained healthcare professional who can provide expert advice on the best treatment for a wide range of common illnesses and minor ailments.

“Some people go to the doctor with common ailments because they are unsure how long symptoms last and need reassurance that it isn’t anything more serious.  Instead of waiting for an appointment at your surgery, it is worthwhile going to your local pharmacist first.

“The pharmacist can explain the normal duration of ailments and give advice on symptom relief.  It is also worth remembering that you don’t need antibiotics for colds and flu, in fact, taking them can reduce their effectiveness when taken for ailments they can help with.

“If you do go to see your pharmacist, remember to take details of any medication you may have been taking with you.”

Sheffield pharmacies also offer a number of NHS services such as help with stopping smoking, flu vaccination, emergency contraception, medicines reviews as well as cholesterol and blood pressure checks if appropriate. Your pharmacist can also advise you about other NHS services and refer you if necessary.

So, save yourself the bother of booking a GP appointment or waiting hours at A&E and visit your pharmacist who can help you understand how to Self-Care for Life. 

To find your nearest pharmacy visit www.nhs.uk, call NHS 111 or download the free NHS Sheffield CCG Choose Well app for iPhone or Android, just search for ‘NHS Sheffield’ in your app store.