Pharmacy First Scheme - Leigh-on-Sea

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Leigh On Sea News: Pharmacy First Scheme – VISITING the Pharmacy can be more than picking up prescriptions.

Pharmacy First Scheme - VISITING the Pharmacy can be more than picking up prescriptions.

VISITING the Pharmacy can be more than picking up prescriptions.

The NHS’ Pharmacy First scheme, started last year, is a service designed to expand access to healthcare services through community pharmacies.

It offers several advantages for patients, by allowing them to receive advice and treatment for minor illnesses directly from a pharmacist, with no Appointment needed to see a doctor, which can be subject to delays and waiting time.

Sofiea Azad, Clinical Pharmacist Lead in Doddinghurst, near Brentwood said: “Your local pharmacy is more than just a place to pick up prescriptions – we’re here to offer expert advice and treatment for a range of common health concerns.

“I deal with lots of issues on top of general help and advice.

“Not everyone knows that a pharmacist can discuss everything from mental health conditions to frailty. I can refer people to mental health services, weight management groups and diabetes support.”

With over 190 pharmacies across mid and south Essex, this network represents a whole work force of highly trained professionals able to provide advice and medications for many common ailments.

The seven common conditions covered by the new initiative are sinusitis, sore throat, earache (acute otitis media), infected insect bite, impetigo, shingles and uncomplicated urinary tract infections in women.

Pharmacists can also undertake blood pressure check, vaccinations, contraceptive health, and wellbeing advice.

If they cannot help you, they may signpost you to the next available help, which may be at your GP or by calling 111.

The scheme is advantageous as it both promotes self-care by educating patients on how to manage minor health problems independently, and helps free up GP appointments for patients with more serious conditions, ensuring better resource allocation.

To discover more about what Mid and South Essex can do to help you get the best care, visit: https://www.midandsouthessex.ics.nhs.uk/health/campaigns/get-the-care-you-need-quicker.

Picture: Clinical Pharmacist Sofiea Aza. (Image: Mid and South Essex)

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