Pharmacies have played a vital role in supporting over five million patients with minor illnesses, eliminating the need for GP appointments. Starting in October, high-street pharmacies have offered free morning-after pill services, expanding their range of care options.
In light of persistently high NHS waiting times for doctor consultations, Landys Chemist experts have highlighted the various services that pharmacists can provide to address everyday health needs, ultimately reducing the strain on healthcare resources.
For common ailments like coughs, colds, and aches, pharmacists are equipped to offer clinical advice and recommend suitable over-the-counter or prescription medications, including treatments for UTIs and shingles. They also assist with repeat prescriptions and conduct health checks such as monitoring blood pressure, advising patients to seek further medical attention if necessary.
Rhysa Phommachanh, a Health and Personal Care Specialist, emphasized the expertise of pharmacists in offering guidance on minor health issues and determining when more serious conditions require a doctor’s attention. While pharmacists can provide advice on various conditions and injuries, individuals are urged to seek emergency care if symptoms are severe or uncertain.
In response to the upcoming flu season, the NHS has issued a ‘flu jab SOS’, urging eligible adults to get vaccinated promptly. With 2.4 million vaccination slots available next week, the NHS aims to immunize a significant portion of the population to combat the early flu outbreak this year, which has seen triple the number of cases compared to the previous year. The early surge in flu cases follows a severe flu season in Australia, often indicative of trends in England, prompting a proactive vaccination campaign.
Throughout the UK, NHS teams have administered over 13 million flu vaccines to date, underlining the importance of early immunization to mitigate the impact of flu outbreaks on healthcare services.