It’s Ask Your Pharmacist Week (30 October – 7 November) and health professionals in Knowsley are reminding you about the range of healthcare services and support available at your local pharmacy.
Pharmacists are experts in the use of medicines, managing minor illnesses such as coughs and colds, itchy eyes and earache, as well as providing free and confidential health and wellbeing advice.
You can also visit your local pharmacy for winter vaccinations, to discuss taking new medicines and to receive advice on changes to your prescribed medication after leaving hospital.
With no appointment needed, local pharmacy teams offer a fast and convenient service and if needed can speak to you in the privacy of a consultation room.
If symptoms indicate something that may be more serious, they can signpost you to other NHS services, such as a GP or A&E for the help you need.
Your community pharmacist can help with:
- Advice and treatment for minor illnesses such as colds, earaches, itchy skin and eye infections.
- Advice on staying well, preventing disease and stocking a safe medicines cabinet.
- A free blood pressure check (for anyone aged over 40 with no history of high blood pressure or those aged 30-39 with a family history of high blood pressure).
- Winter vaccinations
- Support to maintain good sexual health.
- Advice on stopping smoking.
- Personalised support on managing medicines day to day and how to get the most benefit from your medicines.
NHS Community Pharmacy teams work alongside other health professionals, such as doctors, nurses, NHS111 and hospitals to provide the best possible care to the public as part of the wider healthcare system.
Cllr Christine Bannon, Knowsley’s Cabinet Member for Health said: “Pharmacists are our local healthcare experts and can help provide information and advice about a number of minor illnesses and conditions – particularly ones like coughs and colds that are more common during the winter months.”
To find a pharmacy near you, search using your town, city or postcode on the NHS website: www.nhs.uk/service-search/pharmacy/find-a-pharmacy