Sheffield’s Health and Wellbeing Board report in their December 2016 Newsletter that NHS Sheffield Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) want to highlight the health expert on the street – the community pharmacist.
Pharmacists are fully qualified to advise you on the best course of action. They can offer expert advice and treatment for many common illnesses, such as aches and pains, colds and flu, itchy skin conditions and simple eye infections. You don’t need an appointment and many pharmacists have private consultation areas, so they are a good first port of call.
Dr Zak McMurray, Medical Director for NHS Sheffield CCG and Sheffield GP said “Your local community pharmacist is a trained healthcare professional who can provide expert advice on the best treatment for a wide range of common illnesses and minor ailments”.
Sheffield pharmacies also offer a number of NHS services such as help with stopping smoking, flu vaccination, emergency contraception, medicines reviews as well as cholesterol and blood pressure checks if appropriate. Your pharmacist can also advise you about other NHS services and refer you if necessary.
To find your nearest pharmacy visit www.nhs.uk call NHS 111 or download the free NHS Sheffield CCG Choose Well app for iPhone or Android, just search for ‘NHS Sheffield’ in your app store.
You can also find more information about ‘Pharmacy First’ here.
