16 Mar 2010
The Self Care Campaign launched today, aimed at helping people to be confident in their health care choices and freeing up GP time to look after complex conditions. Minor ailments such as coughs and colds account for up to one fifth of GP workload. The National Pharmacy Association (NPA) recommends people visit their pharmacy for help and advice for such self limiting illnesses.
John Turk, NPA Chief Executive said: “A key benefit of visiting your local pharmacy is that advice is free and no appointment is needed. The pharmacy team has had training to provide information on a whole range of minor ailments from coughs and colds to head lice and athlete’s foot.”
John added: “It is high time for a nationwide community pharmacy minor ailments service, which would allow people to access treatments for common conditions for which they would otherwise often visit their GP to obtain a prescription.”
The NPA has supported the NHS Self Care Week in 2009 in conjunction with its own Ask Your Pharmacist Week. 2010’s Ask Your Pharmacist Week and Self Care Week is 8-14 November. For more information on the Ask Your Pharmacist campaign click here.