Don’t get spooked over your health. Ask your pharmacist this Halloween
As part of Ask Your Pharmacist Week (30 October to 5 November) Health leaders in Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire (BNSSG) are reminding local people not to be afraid to talk to their pharmacist about common health ailments.
Pharmacists can provide a wide range of services and advice to help people stay well. This includes blood pressure checks, Covid-19 and flu vaccinations, and advice on treatments for sore throats, impetigo and urinary tract infections.
Some pharmacies also offer services to dispense repeat prescriptions without the need to visit your GP.
If you’re on unsure on whether your health problem needs to be seen by another NHS service, pharmacies can be the first port of call for health advice and will be able to direct you to the right service if they feel this is necessary.
Most pharmacies also have a private consultation room, so you can discuss your condition confidentially if you’d prefer.
Dr Joanne Medhurst BNSSG ICB Chief Medical Officer, said:
“Pharmacists are highly trained in providing advice and treatment for common ailments. People shouldn’t be afraid to pop into their local pharmacy if they have a minor health issue they need support with. Pharmacists can help you with problems before they become worse.
“As winter rolls in, it’s so important people utilise their local community pharmacist if their ailment doesn’t require urgent care. This will help ease pressures on other NHS services that are especially busy during the winter months.
“We know when something doesn’t feel right it can be scary, but our pharmacists can help you get the right treatment or access to the right service.”
Ade Williams, a Community Pharmacist in Bristol, said:
“We welcome anyone who has a common health problem to come in and see us before symptoms get worse.
“We have great clinical expertise and when it comes to managing repeat prescriptions, checking blood pressure and directing you to the right service if it is needed, we are ever ready to help.
“This winter, help us help you by using the right NHS service.”
Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire Integrated Care Board will be promoting Ask Your Pharmacist Week on social media using the hashtag #AskYourPharmacistWeek.