Published on behalf of Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire (BNSSG) Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG)
Doctors from Bristol, North Somerset & South Gloucestershire CCG are encouraging you to utilise your community pharmacist to stay happy and healthy this winter.
Dr Martin Jones, Local GP and Medical Director at Bristol, North Somerset & South Gloucestershire CCG, said:
“We know how frustrating it can be when you pick up a minor illness that takes you away from your daily life. That’s why we’re encouraging people to visit their local pharmacist at the first sign of illness to prevent it from getting worse.
“With over 150 pharmacies across our area, you’re never far away from a healthcare expert.
“Pharmacists can provide all sorts of healthcare advice and treatment without an appointment and are a great resource for providing expert guidance and treatment for a wide range of illnesses.”
Community pharmacists are qualified healthcare professionals who can offer clinical advice and over the counter medicines. Pharmacies are open throughout the day, evenings and on weekends and you can be seen without an appointment.
Most pharmacies also have a consultation room so you can discuss your queries and concerns in a private setting if you need to.
Richard Brown, Chief Officer at Avon Local Pharmaceutical Committee, said:
“Pharmacists can effectively and safely manage a range of minor health concerns, such as coughs, colds, sore throats, tummy troubles, aches and pains.
“If symptoms suggest it’s something more serious, we have the right clinical training to make sure you get the help you need immediately and can refer people to a GP or other services where necessary.”
To find out your nearest pharmacy or find out more about the service, visit: bnssgccg.nhs.uk/health-services/pharmacies
World Antibiotic Awareness Week: 18-24 November 2019
Did you know? Antibiotics don’t work for colds or flu because they’re viral infections. Antibiotic resistance is a big problem – taking antibiotics when you do not need them can mean they will not work for you in the future.
World Antibiotic Awareness Week aims to increase awareness of global antibiotic resistance and to encourage best practices among the general public, health workers and policy makers to avoid the further emergence and spread of antibiotic resistance.
To find out more about this year’s campaign, visit the World Health Organization website. You can also find out more about antibiotics on the NHS website.
