Local people are being advised to ask their local pharmacist for advice and prompt treatment for common illness.

The range of clinical services provided by community pharmacies has expanded significantly in recent years.   

This week, NHS Tameside and Glossop Clinical Commissioning Group is supporting this year's 'Ask Your Pharmacist' campaign from 1 to 8 November, which is organised annually by the National Pharmacy Association (NPA). 

The theme this year is ‘Your local pharmacy can help’ with the variety of problems to which community pharmacy has solutions.

As well as helping with common illnesses – like eye infections, earaches, itchy skin, sore throats, coughs, colds, tummy troubles and aches and pains – pharmacy teams can also help with stopping smoking, cutting down on alcohol, advice on safe sex and emergency contraception. 

People can also have their blood pressure checked, get advice on taking new medicines or receive guidance on changes to their prescribed medication after leaving hospital.

So, for NHS services, convenient access to medicines, support for healthy living and prompt clinical advice, people are being urged to ask their pharmacist. 

Dr Asad Ali, co-chair at NHS Tameside and Glossop CCG, said: “When you have a common illness remember a pharmacist may also be able to help.  They are experts in medicines, managing minor illnesses and providing health and wellbeing advice.  As qualified healthcare professionals, they can offer clinical advice and over-the-counter medicines for a range of minor illnesses.”

For pharmacy services in Tameside and Glossop, visit https://www.tamesideandglossopccg.org/pharmacyservices