As the hot weather looks set to return, NHS experts are reminding residents that their local pharmacy should be their first port of call for common summer health issues.
Warmer weather often brings specific health challenges, from dehydration and sunburn to insect bites that can become infected if left untreated.
The 193 community pharmacies across mid and south Essex offer expert advice and treatments to help manage a range of illnesses. They’re easy to get to, and you usually don’t need an appointment – just walk in.
Pharmacists are on hand to help people stay well throughout the summer. They can offer expert advice on a range of illnesses, giving advice about medicines, or suggesting over the counter treatments for a range of illnesses including common summer issues like allergies, insect bites and sunburn.
Bina Patel, a Clinical Pharmacist in Southend-on-Sea, explains why getting health advice from your local pharmacist is important.
Pharmacists can provide expert guidance on the most appropriate treatments for your condition. Rather than risking your health with products that may be unsafe or ineffective, we can recommend trusted, clinically-proven options. We can also explain how to use any new treatments and check that they won’t interact dangerously with other medications you’re already taking.
Bina Patel, Clinical Pharmacist
Most pharmacies in mid and south Essex offer the Pharmacy First service, where patients can receive consultations and prescription medicine (if required) for seven common conditions, without needing to see a GP or make an appointment.
Pharmacists are registered health professionals who are highly qualified to provide trusted guidance on medicine and minor health concerns.
Importantly, they are also trained to recognise when something might be a bit more serious and can refer you on to the most appropriate service for your needs. If you need support this summer, visit your local pharmacy for quick access to expert health advice.
Dr Anna Davey, local GP and board member at NHS Mid and South Essex
The trend of using the Pharmacy First service is increasing, with over 125,000 patient consultations delivered since it launched last year.
Last summer alone, the Pharmacy First service helped save over 12,000 GP appointments in mid and south Essex. Urinary Tract Infections were the most commonly treated condition, with over 3,000 consultations. While nearly 3,000 people sought treatment for infected insect bites last summer, with demand peaking in August.
However, pharmacists can also help you treat a bite early, to prevent it becoming infected. For all minor health concerns, local health bosses advise seeking help from a pharmacist early on to prevent minor issues from worsening.
Most pharmacies have private consultation rooms and longer opening hours – including evenings and weekends, so it’s also often quicker than visiting a GP surgery.
What’s more, with over 10,000 pharmacies in England, you could visit any of them and get the same support as you would in the one closest to your home. So, if you’re away this summer, simply visit the NHS website to find a pharmacy.
Local pharmacy information