Today, Friday 8th December 2017, Robert Goodwill MP visited Squire Pharmacy, 54 Falsgrave Road, Scarborough to learn more about how North Yorkshire Community Pharmacies are supporting the NHS England and Public Health England national campaign to help people prepare for winter weather. The message is to “Stay Well This Winter” and to encourage people most at risk from cold weather, including those with long-term health conditions and the over 65s, to prepare for the lower temperatures.
Robert was also informed about the “Think Pharmacy First” campaign. This aims to encourage the public to contact their pharmacy first when suffering with colds/coughs and minor ailments, rather than making an appointment to see their GP or attending A&E.
All Pharmacists have trained for five years and can offer expert advice on lots of minor ailments. Most pharmacies in North Yorkshire offer confidential consultation rooms too. They can help with common problems such as coughs, colds, aches and pains, treating minor injuries and infections.
If they can't help, they'll tell you whether you need to see a doctor or where else you could get the best treatment.
Robert Goodwill MP said, “It was great to visit the Squire Pharmacy today in Scarborough to learn more about the ‘Stay well this winter campaign’. On average 98,000 prescriptions are dispensed every month in the Scarborough and Ryedale CCG area. This is a very high foot fall of people visiting their local community pharmacy given the area’s population is 162,000. Local Community Pharmacies like the Squire’s in Scarborough are ideally placed to treat many minor aliments as it is possible to see a skilled health professional that can advise on common problems such as coughs, colds, aches and pains and treating minor injuries and infections. So, if you're suffering from a minor illness, injury or condition and need help, try your local pharmacy first.”
John Squire Pharmacist said, “Our Pharmacy is a certified Healthy Living Pharmacy like all the Community Pharmacies in North Yorkshire, and we run monthly campaigns on different health issues. In supporting the “Stay Well This Winter” our staff will be engaging with our patients and giving them the appropriate advice to protect them during the winter months
We are also ensuring that they are protected from flu by vaccinating as many of our eligible patients as possible.
I would also urge the public to Think Pharmacy First before making an appointment to see their GP, and in many cases your pharmacist will be able to help you to a speedy recovery from your ailment”.