1. What does that mean?.. Pharmacy First Self care for life (THIS WINTER) Self care for life (THIS WINTER) Think

2. First think! Think of the last time you felt unwell for a few days this year? For example - was it a sore throat? an earache? Think about what helped to make it better. Lots of minor ailments have simple remedies

3. Think calmly because it’s not an emergency! acute headache, sore throat, acute fever, earache, acute cough, diarrhoea, cold and flu, head lice, hay fever dry skin/simple eczema, bites and stings, cold sores, Vaginal 2 thrush, sunburn, nappy rash, mouth ulcers, dyspepsia constipation

4. Think who will be your first point of call If you need advice If you need some medication to help If you want to seek help quickly

5. Did you know? The pharmacist should be the first person you see to provide advice and support to people on the management of minor ailments, to supply medicines for the treatment of the minor ailment, to refer you to a GPs, A&E and other health and social care professionals, where appropriate.

6. Pharmacy First : Some national facts People who turn to their doctor as the first port of call for minor ailments generate 51.4 million consultations This takes up valuable GP time, and uses up limited resources. If these consultations could be handled by a pharmacist at least an hour a day could be released for every GP to see patients with more complex needs.

7. Planning for the future By thinking of your pharmacy first, you will be helping your doctor to save time …..and give them more time to see you …..when you need them the most.

8. The next thing to do about this…. Look for the Pharmacy First sign at your local pharmacy Register with the pharmacy by simply giving them details of your NHS doctor and surgery Let others know about this important service Prepared By Joy McCormick, Wychbury PPG, Dudley