The NHS launched a campaign this week to raise awareness that community pharmacists are qualified healthcare professionals who offer support and advice if people feel unwell.
 
The ‘Help Us, Help You – Get it seen to’ campaign highlights how local pharmacy teams offer a fast and convenient clinical service for minor illnesses, with no need for an appointment, and use of a confidential consultation room if needed.
 
Dr Ed Capo Bianco, Urgent Care Lead at Oxfordshire Clinical Commissioning Group, said: “Our local pharmacists offer clinical advice and over-the-counter medicines to effectively and safely manage a range of minor illnesses such as coughs, colds, sore throats, earaches, itchy eyes, tummy troubles, aches and pains and many more.
 
“If symptoms suggest it’s something more serious, pharmacists have the right clinical training to ensure people get the help they need immediately and can refer patients to a GP or A&E where necessary. I urge people to take the drama out of a minor illness and if they feel unwell see a pharmacist for expert advice.”

Every pharmacist trains for five years in the use of medicines before they qualify, and they are also trained in managing minor illnesses and providing health and wellbeing advice.
 
For more information visit www.oxfordshireccg.nhs.uk
 
There is also a short film which explains the role of pharmacists see here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iLBv_ImfUF4