People are being asked to make use of support available from local pharmacies over the summer months.
Local NHS services are extremely busy with GP practices and hospitals seeing unprecedented demand.
Please do not attend local Emergency Departments with minor ailments, they should be used for life threatening situations only. You can help yourself and help ease pressure on NHS services by making use of your local pharmacist for a range of minor ailments, for example:
- headaches
- sore throats
- sunburn
- coughs
- diarrhoea
- indigestion
- heartburn
Katherine Gough, Chief Pharmacist with NHS Dorset said “Whether you live in Dorset or are visiting the county, for any minor ailments please make your local pharmacy your first port of call over the summer months.
“Generally, over-the-counter medicines will help ease symptoms of common illnesses and we have over 140 pharmacies across Dorset, some of which are offering late, weekend and bank holidays opening hours with the majority having consultation rooms available if you would like to discuss your illness in private.
“Most conditions will clear up on their own, but if your illness does persist, visit your pharmacist again and they will be able to advise if a GP appointment is necessary, if you are on holiday and advised you need to speak to a GP please contact your normal practice.”
To find your nearest pharmacy visit www.nhs.uk/service-search/pharmacy/find-a-pharmacy.
If you require urgent medical help that is not life-threatening visit 111.nhs.uk or call 111.
