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If you are feeling unwell this winter, don’t wait for any concerns to get worse – speak to your local pharmacy team to get advice right there and then.

That’s the advice from GPs in Barking and Dagenham, Havering and Redbridge.

By following the expert advice of community pharmacists, you can help the NHS help you stay well; prevent an illness getting worse; take the best course of action; and get well again sooner. You don’t need an appointment so it’s a quick and easy way to get the advice and treatment you need.

Local GPs are reminding people in Barking and Dagenham, Havering and Redbridge that our community pharmacists are qualified healthcare professionals, who can offer clinical advice and over the counter medicines to effectively and safely manage a range of minor health concerns, such as coughs, colds, sore throats, tummy troubles, aches and pains and many more.

Community pharmacies in England provide a service to around 1.2 million people every day.

Dr Anil Mehta, Chair of Redbridge Clinical Commissioning Group, said: “Local pharmacy teams offer a fast and convenient clinical service for minor health concerns with no appointment needed and use of a private consultation room should it be required.

“If symptoms suggest it’s something more serious, pharmacists have the right clinical training to ensure people get the help they need immediately and can refer patients to a GP or A&E where necessary.

Hemant Patel, secretary of the North East London Local Pharmaceutical Committee, said: “Every pharmacist trains for five years in the use of medicines before they qualify and they are also trained in managing minor illnesses and providing health and wellbeing advice.”

“Don’t wait for minor health concerns to get worse – speak to your local pharmacy team to get advice right there and then. Help us, help you, before it gets worse.”

Visit www.redbridgeccg.nhs.uk/ for more information.