TURN TO YOUR PHARMACY THIS FESTIVE SEASON FOR COMMON HEALTH CONDITIONS
9 December 2024
TURN TO YOUR PHARMACY THIS FESTIVE SEASON FOR COMMON HEALTH CONDITIONS
As we head into the festive period, the NHS in Coventry and Warwickshire is urging residents to make the most of their local pharmacy services. Community pharmacies can play a key role in helping to ease pressure on GPs and A&E departments, especially during the holidays.
Pharmacists are qualified healthcare professionals who can provide expert advice and treatment for a wide range of minor health issues. By visiting your local pharmacy, you can avoid unnecessary GP appointments or trips to the emergency department.
Key reminders for winter and Christmas
Pharmacists are also reminding patients who take regular prescription medications that they will continue to dispense these as usual. If you need to order your repeat prescriptions before the holiday period, make sure to do so by 18th December to ensure they’re ready in time for Christmas.
Most local pharmacies offer private consultation rooms where you can have confidential conversations with the pharmacist about your symptoms or concerns, without the risk of being overheard.
What your local pharmacy can help with
Pharmacists can assist with a wide range of common health issues, including:
- Aches and pains: back pain, headaches, period pain, teething
- Allergies: bites and stings, hay fever, skin reactions
- Cold & flu symptoms: cough, congestion, sore throat, fever (including post-immunisation)
- Ear care: earache, ear infections, ear wax
- Eye care: bacterial conjunctivitis, styes
- Gastrointestinal issues: diarrhoea, constipation, indigestion, haemorrhoids (piles)
- Head lice
- Mouth care: cold sores, oral thrush, ulcers
- Skin care: athlete’s foot, eczema, nappy rash, warts, verrucas
- Vaginal thrush
In addition, many pharmacies in the area offer additional services, including:
- UTI advice and treatment: for women aged 16–64 with uncomplicated urinary tract infections
- Free blood pressure checks: for individuals aged 40 and over
- Pharmacy hours over the festive season
It's important to note that pharmacies may be operating reduced hours during the Christmas and New Year period. To avoid any disruptions to your access to pharmacy services, check your pharmacy’s holiday opening times here before you need to visit.
You can also view a list of opening hours for pharmacies across Coventry and Warwickshire here.
Whether you're seeking advice on a minor illness or just need to pick up your prescription, your local pharmacy can help you stay well throughout the winter months.