People in Devon are being urged to think “Pharmacy First” to fix their winter health problems.
Many people are unaware of the wide range of services available from their local pharmacist and they spend time waiting unnecessarily for a GP appointment or even in busy hospital Accident and Emergency departments, which are often under extreme pressure at this time of year.
People in Devon are being encouraged to try their pharmacy first if they pick up a cough or cold and aren’t sure whether to visit their doctor.
GP practices and hospital emergency departments are often under even more pressure at this time of year and pharmacies can provide a fast route to medication for minor ailments like aches and pains, sore throat, coughs, colds, flu-like symptoms...
A further £890,000 is being put into a series of testbed projects across Devon and Cornwall to improve access to primary care.
The money will enable schemes involving GPs and pharmacists to be extended into the summer, so their full effectiveness can be analysed and decisions taken on whether they are worth investing in for the long term.
