20 December 2017

The following message is from our partners at Telford and Wrekin Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG)

Christmas can be one of the busiest times of the year for everyone which is why the local NHS is reminding people that having essential medicines at home, will keep us enjoying the festive season.

During the festive period, your first point of call for advice and support should be your local pharmacist.  They can give you expert help on common illnesses including coughs, colds, aches and pains and they can answer questions about prescribed and over the counter medicines. 

Your local pharmacist is trained and qualified to give professional, free advice and have a wide range of remedies available.  You don’t need an appointment and they all have private consultation rooms to talk in confidence.

You can stock your medicine cabinet with Christmas essentials for around £10 to tackle minor conditions at home:

  • Painkillers like ibuprofen and paracetamol – 25p each (ibuprofen suspension for children £1.90)
  • Aspirin – 30p
  • Antihistamines for allergies – £2.50 for a month’s supply
  • Diarrhoea relief – £1
  • Constipation relief – £1.60
  • Throat lozenges – 99p
  • Antacid – 99p

Always ensure remedies which are already in your medicines cabinet are still okay to use. If any medicines are past their use-by-date, don’t take them and return them to your local pharmacy for disposal.

Dr Jo Leahy, GP and Chair of NHS Telford and Wrekin CCG, said: “As you are buying those last minute Christmas presents, don’t forget to also stock up your medicine cabinets.

“By planning ahead and having the essentials ready, you will be able to treat minor injuries and illnesses at home. This will help you and your family to avoid unnecessary trips to the doctor, waiting for an appointment you probably don’t need.”

During the busy winter period across the NHS, if you have a minor ailment seeing your local community pharmacist will mean you’ll be tackling your symptoms sooner, whilst also relieving pressure in the rest of the healthcare system.

Dr Jo Leahy added: “As Christmas approaches it is important to know all pharmacy opening times, just in case you do feel ill over winter. 

“Community pharmacists offer confidential advice and treatment for all minor health problems including coughs, colds, minor injuries and general aches and pains.  You don’t need an appointment and many have private consultation rooms.”

To find out when your local pharmacy is open on Christmas, Boxing and New Year’s Day, go to your local CCG’s website: www.telfordccg.nhs.uk

If you need medical advice, but you’re not sure where to turn, the NHS 111 telephone service is free and gives confidential health guidance and advice, 24 hours a day 365 days a year.  They will also direct you to other local services where appropriate.

For more information on all essential medicine must-haves visit the NHS Choices website: https://www.nhs.uk/pages/home.aspx