As October half term approaches, NHS Hampshire and Isle of Wight is reminding parents and carers that their local pharmacy is a great place to go for quick, expert advice on minor illnesses such as coughs, colds and sore throats.
With children at home and winter illnesses circulating, pharmacies offer a fast and convenient way to get expert health advice often without an appointment. Pharmacists can also provide over-the-counter treatments and prescription medication.
Dr Tom Bertram, Clinical Director for Primary and Local Care at NHS, said “It’s highly likely that children will pick up colds and other minor illnesses during the winter months. We understand that it can be worrying for parents when their child is unwell, but in many cases, these common conditions can be safely managed at home.
“Pharmacists are highly trained professionals who can recommend the right treatment and advise when further medical help may be needed. If you’re not sure where to go, the Healthier Together app is a great place to start as a source of advice for parents. 111.nhs.uk is also available to help direct you to the most appropriate service. We want to make sure every child gets the right care in the right place, so please make use of the resources available in your community.”
Through the Pharmacy First scheme, which launched last year, patients can receive treatment for seven common conditions directly from their local pharmacy, without the need for a GP appointment or prescription. The seven conditions are:
- Sinusitis
- Sore throat
- Earache
- Infected insect bites
- Impetigo
- Shingles
- Uncomplicated urinary tract infections in women aged 16-64
Pharmacy First enables community pharmacists to advise on how to manage a condition and supply prescription-only medicines (without a prescription), including antibiotics and antivirals where clinically appropriate. Currently NHS Hampshire and Isle of Wight pharmacies are seeing around average of 10,000 consultation a month under pharmacy first.
To find your nearest pharmacy, visit: Find a pharmacy - NHS
Other services across Hampshire and Isle of Wight open to provide care over half term are:
- Healthier Together – download the app to find a wealth of winter health advice on many common conditions.
- Urgent Treatment Centres - can help with injuries and illnesses that need urgent medical attention but aren’t life threatening. Waiting times can also be shorter than at Emergency Departments. We have Urgent Treatment Centres in Andover, Gosport, Lymington, Petersfield, Portsmouth, Southampton and on the Isle of Wight. Please check your local service for opening times or see our website.
- Shout text service (Mental health support service) – text SHOUT to 85258 or visit the Shout website for more information.
- Emergency departments - If you or someone you know is experience a medical emergency you should call 999 or visit the nearest Emergency Department.