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Choose well - ask your pharmacist
This week, NHS East Riding of Yorkshire, NHS East Yorkshire and Hull and Hull Hospitals are launching a joint campaign to help local residents choose the right treatment.
The Choose Well campaign aims to provide patients and the public with information on the services available in their local area, and what the most appropriate service is for them to use depending on their need.
The campaign is being launched during National Ask Your Pharmacist Week, when the public is being reminded of the range of services available at their local pharmacy (chemist). A pharmacist is a highly trained healthcare professional who can give advice on common illnesses and the medicines you need to treat them.
A common health problem, which does not require being seen by a doctor or nurse, could be treated by a visit to the local pharmacy as opposed to going to the GP. Most pharmacies now have a quiet area away from other customers where you can speak to the pharmacist more privately.
Kevin McCorry, Locality Pharmaceutical Advisor, NHS East Riding of Yorkshire, said: "The campaign will raise awareness to help people to assess their symptoms and choose the right NHS service. This means they get the best possible treatment for their condition and reduces pressure on both hospital and GP services. Pharmacies may offer Medicines Use Reviews (MURs). An MUR is a discussion between a pharmacist and the patient regarding the patient's medication and provides information and support to them in getting the most out of their medicines".
Estimates suggest that the NHS could save about 380 million a year if one in four patients consulted their local pharmacist about minor ailments instead of their GP.
Ray Hall of Hall Pharmacy in Hull said: "Pharmacies offer a great service; they are qualified experts who can offer remedies and health advice for a whole range of illnesses. We can also now sell many medicines that used to only be available on prescription which may mean you don't have to see your GP in some cases.
"Pharmacies are often more convenient as they are closer to home. Many now have private consultation rooms and you don't need an appointment."
Given the potential pressure that the NHS could come under this winter, ensuring that patients are not using NHS services inappropriately, and that services such as GPs and A&E are not overburdened, will be crucial. Choosing well ensure patients receive the best possible treatment, whilst leaving emergency services to those who need them most.
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Weather for Driffield
Saturday 04 February 2012
Today
Light snow
Temperature: 0 C to 3 C
Wind Speed: 28 mph
Wind direction: South
Tomorrow
Sunny spells
Temperature: 1 C to 5 C
Wind Speed: 10 mph
Wind direction: West
